Legal Assistant / Paralegal (Law Department - State Misdemeanors)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Established by the Detroit City Charter, the Law Department is an independent agency that represents the interests of the City of Detroit as a corporate body. The Department is headed by the Corporation Counsel, whose mission is to provide a variety of legal services to the City, its elected officials, departments, agencies, offices, commissions, and boards, as well as its individual employees, in their official capacity. The position involves supporting attorneys in two courtrooms prosecuting state law misdemeanors. Must be familiar with criminal law, criminal procedure and criminal trials. Keep track of case outcomes in both courtrooms and enter the data into a Smartsheet. Position requires the retrieval and dissemination of discovery records for court proceedings at 36th District Court. Discovery dissemination may include but not be limited to electronic and hard copy records comprising of paper and electronic records, reports and police video footage. Electronic records dissemination may include the conversion of files into digital file formats that can be easily converted, copied, redacted, stored, and shared using a variety of secured platforms.

Requirements

Successful completion of an American Bar Association approved paralegal/legal studies programs and three years of work experience as a Legal Assistant.
OR An Associate degree with a specialization in paralegal studies form an American Bar Association approved institution and two years of work experience as a Legal Assistant.
OR Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in paralegal studies, legal studies, or legal administration from an American Bar Association-approved institution, and six months of work experience as a Legal Assistant.
Valid State of Michigan Operator License.
Employees in this class will be required to provide and operate a motor vehicle on a reimbursed mileage basis.
Knowledge of research and analysis methods.
Knowledge of legal practices and procedures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites.
Skill in conversion of files of digital file formats.
Skill in interpreting instructions and guidelines to make decisions and take necessary action(s).
Skill in preparing a variety of legal-related documents.
Skill in use of technology as a tool to provide support to attorneys.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to proofread and edit correspondence and legal documents for accurate grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage.
Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
Ability to determine work priorities.
Ability to organize work and establish priorities.
Ability to assist in establishing client relations.
Ability to effectively manage time.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to maintain composure during stressful situations occurring because of workloads and/or deadlines.
Ability to interact effectively with the public and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with criminal law, criminal procedure and criminal trials.

Responsibilities

Manage a variety of digital media formats and software programs.
Convert audio and video data files to various formats.
Upload and download data files to servers and other media platforms.
Perform legal research under the direction of an attorney.
Gather information regarding laws, ordinances, regulation, court decisions and similar materials.
Draft legal documents and correspondence including, but not limited to, briefs, pleadings, opinions, and other legal documents.
Prepare summaries of research results and conclusions.
Locate and interview complainants and witnesses, and research facts to obtain necessary information.
Assist attorneys in conducting discovery by formulating discovery requests and discovery responses.
Work directly with attorneys and witnesses.
Locate, collect, organize, review and summarize documents.
Prepare histories and chronologies of events or other subject matter.
Identify and consult with expert witnesses.
Assist attorneys in all facets of trials including compilation of witness and trial notebooks and identification and compilation of trial exhibits.
Prepare oral and written reports, and presentations.
Maintain and operate computerized databases.
Provide administrative assistance such as preparation of case statistic reports, case summaries, litigation activity reports and other reports as requested by management.
Organize and maintain evidence materials, case and other legal files and records.
File pleadings and other legal documents with courts and administrative agencies; e-file documents in all courts.
Assist attorneys in carrying out their assignments.
Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; and participating in professional organizations.
Summarize discovery documents.
Perform other duties as assigned.