Legal Assistant - Tort Litigation Unit
About The Position
The City of Philadelphia Law Department's Tort Litigation Unit represents agencies and employees of the City of Philadelphia Department in civil tort litigation. This includes cases such as representing police officers in motor vehicle accidents, defending the Water Department from property damage claims, and representing City agencies in premises liability claims. The Unit aims to settle legitimate claims efficiently and cost-effectively, while vigorously defending against claims lacking merit. The Tort Litigation Unit is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging environment where Legal Assistants are integral to the practice. With training and supervision, Legal Assistants are expected to independently manage the investigation of tort claims, draft Discovery answers, and assist in trials.
Requirements
- Excellent organizational skills
- Effective and professional oral and written communication
- Ability to work independently and think proactively
- Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
- MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access)
- Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
- Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc)
- Email (mail merge, filters, folders, rules)
- Presentations/Slideshows (PowerPoint, Google Slides, OpenOffice Impress, Tableu)
- Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other virtual platforms
- Ability to complete work projects in a timely and accurate manner
- Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
- City residency is required within six months of employment.
Nice To Haves
- Associates degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent
- Executive assistant experience, preferably in a legal setting
Responsibilities
- Work with approximately four trial attorneys.
- Send out investigation requests to City departments and follow up to ensure timely responses to Discovery requests.
- Assist in the drafting of Discovery answers.
- Interview City inspectors, police officers, and motor vehicle operators.
- Conduct investigations to determine property ownership, contractor or utility work, and background investigations of claimants.
- Assist with trial preparation.
- Prepare deposition digests.
- Prepare subpoena requests.
- Process settlements and judgments.
- Process settlement agreements and update databases.
- Manage mandated reporting to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with claims information.
- Send requests for information to relevant City agencies and follow up to meet deadlines.
- Assist attorneys with case management logistics, document preparation, and trial.
- Research real property ownership or possession.
Benefits
- Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program
- 8 weeks of paid parental leave
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options
- Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
- Tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40%) at over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
