Paralegal - Water and Environmental

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

1d•$30 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

The Development and Natural Resources Section of the Aurora City Attorney’s Office is seeking a paralegal with an interest in water law, litigation and environmental law to join its growing team of talented legal professionals. The paralegal role investigates facts, researches law, and prepares documents to assist lawyers in the City Attorney’s Office. The individual will work with the City of Aurora and Aurora Water supporting attorneys who file and appear in Colorado Water Court. The position will be classified as a Paralegal.

Requirements

Possession of Paralegal Certification from an ABA Certified Program OR Degree from an accredited institution.
Associates Degree in paralegal studies or directly related field
At least two (2) years progressively responsible legal office and/or paralegal experience
At least one (1) year progressively responsible work in municipality, water law or public entity
Paralegal certification
Colorado Driver’s License with a good driving record.
General office procedures.
Legal terminology.
Legal forms.
Personal computers including related word processing software applications.
Legal research and writing.
Electronic filing platforms (CCEF and PACER)
Water court or general civil court procedures.
Docketing deadlines pursuant to state and federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Legal research platforms (Westlaw and LexisNexis)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong problem solving and strategic thinking skills.
Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams) and Adobe.
Skill in utilizing Bluebook and other similar legal citation methods.
Skill in legal writing, proofreading, and editing legal filings, contracts, correspondence, memoranda, exhibits, subpoenas, and other documents.
Skill in legal research and filing platforms such as PACER, Westlaw, and LexisNexis, and CoCourts.
Skill in managing and meeting competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Skill in conducting E-Discovery using E-discovery software.
Skill in managing vendors and contracts for E-Discovery platforms.
Skill in bates numbering, redactions, and document organization.
Skill in Microsoft Office Applications and Adobe Pro.
Establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with attorneys, citizens, court personnel, outside agencies/personnel, support staff, and experts.
Handle confidential and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Multi-task and prioritize work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Maintain legal education and reference materials.
Bluebook and other similar legal citation methods
Legal research and filing platforms including Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER (Federal e-filing), and Colorado courts EFile
Municipal, local government and Colorado water laws Water court or general civil district court procedures
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Strong organizational skills
The use of personal computers including related software, i.e. Microsoft Office, Lexis and/or Westlaw
Word processing software
Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel
Legal writing and proofreading

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in a related field
Litigation, civil discovery, and calendaring experience.
Prior experience assisting with trials.
Experience with Bates numbering, redactions, document organization, and E-discovery software.
Electronic trial presentation experience, including exhibit presentation with Adobe, Trial Director, or similar programs
Experience working in general civil court procedures, government, Colorado Water Law, Water Court.
Experience working with Federal, State and local governmental entities and Colorado, water law entities including Colorado Division of Water Resources, Colorado Water, Conservation Board, Colorado State Land Board, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, municipal water conservancy and conservation districts.
Knowledge of Colorado water laws (Prior Appropriation Doctrine, Change of use cases, Exchanges of water and the typical filings associated with water court cases).
Genuine interest in learning Colorado water law is required.

Responsibilities

Prepares and manages pre-litigation activities for cases including filing pleadings and motions in Colorado E-Filing systems or PACER, as required.
Conducts legal research and synthesizes results for attorney(s).
Manages and organizes case files and internal file management systems.
Maintains calendaring systems and coordinates meeting scheduling with internal and external participants.
Maintains electronic library of legal opinions, memoranda, legal education, reference materials and research materials.
Compiles and distributes electronically stored material.
Prepares correspondence, both electronic and postal, and drafts shell pleadings including entries of appearance, statements of opposition, motions, briefs, agreements, water court applications, and related documents.
Proofreads, cites, and checks legal documents.
Supports attorneys with trials and hearings and prepares all trial materials and technology including exhibit notebooks and trial binders.
Liaises with City departments, clients and outside counsel to request and obtain necessary documents and items.
Files and accesses documents electronically in municipal, state, and federal courts.
Assists with drafting ordinances, resolutions and analysis of proposed legislation.
Files ditch company compliance reports.
Processes invoices and monthly reports.
Supports attorneys on Council Projects as requested.
Performs additional duties as assigned, including administrative duties (i.e. answers phones).