Legal Services Administrator ( Paralegal )

Town of Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Performs paralegal and paraprofessional duties in support of the Town’s staff attorneys and other Town departments in support of Town initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, interpersonal, communicating and writing skills; a team-oriented mindset; and a strong work ethic.

Requirements

Knowledge of computer applications such as document management, case management, calendaring and word processing
Knowledge of principles of business communication and report preparation
Knowledge of legal terminology and forms and documents used in the field
Knowledge of legal office methods, procedures, terminology and documents
Knowledge of related federal, state and municipal laws codes and regulations
Knowledge of Town ordinances policies and procedures
Knowledge of legal research procedures and forms
Knowledge of court rules and procedures
Knowledge of standard legal reference resources and their contents
Knowledge of basic public entity law resources
Knowledge of principles and methodologies for filing systems and case management
Ability to prepare and draft contracts and agreements using templates
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
Ability to review and analyze complex documents
Ability to locate various legal references including statutes, codes, regulations, and citations
Ability to effectively research and extract pertinent data from a variety of sources in the preparation of legal cases and documents
Ability to independently prepare correspondence and memoranda
Ability to organize and prioritize workflow; work independently in the absence of supervision; exercise good judgment and make sound decisions; maintain confidentiality; exercise judgment regarding activities requiring oversight by and input from supervising attorneys
Ability to examine real property titles
Ability to use web- and enterprise-based software systems
Ability to use Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar tools
Ability to solve problems and make sound decisions
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and co-workers
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to model behavior that is consistent with the Town’s values of RESPECT: Responsibility, Equity, Safety, Professionalism, Ethics, Communication, and Teamwork
Valid NC driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Employees will be subject to the Drug and Alcohol free Workplace Policy.
Employees will be subject to the Safe Driving and Accident Policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a paralegal, legal assistant with progressive responsibilities, or procurement and contract administration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and performs a variety of professional paralegal duties.
Researches and analyzes a variety of legal resources such as statutes, ordinances, court decisions, legal documents and articles to support attorneys in preparing legal documents, opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, briefs, pleadings and other documents.
Drafts routine legal documents under direct attorney supervision.
Provides guidance to staff in other departments on routine legal documents and contracts.
Assists in preparing documents such as council agenda items, draft ordinances, resolutions, policies, and reports as required.
Monitors the status of matters involving the Attorney’s Office, such as litigation and requests for legal review and consultations; coordinates regular legal team meetings to review pending matters and identify action items.
Establishes, maintains and updates matter files and litigation case files.
Examines contracts and other legal documents for completeness and potential legal issues; provides attorney-vetted guidance to staff in other departments.
Serves on a review team that verifies final versions of contracts and agreements are ready for execution.
Reviews surety bonds to verify proper form prior to final examination by an attorney.
Provides litigation support, which may include preparing, filing and serving court documents, tracking litigation timelines, and assisting with case preparation by compiling and assembling files and required materials.
Collaborates with other departments on process improvements and implementation.
May act in a lead capacity on special projects and assignments involving collaboration with other departments.
Assists in developing the Attorney Office’s annual budget request and manages the Attorney’s Office budget.
Serves as the technology contact for the Attorney's Office; coordinates implementation of new and evolving technology-based procedures and workflows.
Handles administrative functions for the Attorney's Office, including payroll matters, invoice processing, expense and purchasing card reconciliation, and purchasing functions.
Assists in preparing Attorney's Office procedures in collaboration with the attorneys.
Provides guidance to staff on Town procedures, including contracts and property conveyances.
Completes other duties as required.