Legal Assistant (#8173 )

$30.98-$37.65 Hourly / $5,369.00-$6,526.00 Monthly / $64,428.00-$78,312.00 Yearly

Definition

Under supervision of an attorney, performs a variety of paraprofessional legal duties for one of the legal departments of City government; engages in legal research assignments; interviews clients; assists in the preparation of legal documents and instruments; and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

Positions in this class are established in order to effectively utilize the services of individuals who have completed a paraprofessional legal curriculum or related training. Employees in this class provide a variety of legal services and carry out important assignments not requiring the expertise of a professional attorney.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

1. Investigates, collects and compiles case materials and documentary evidence in contract and personal injury litigation.

2. Drafts Complaints, Affidavits, Motions, Interrogatories and other pleadings connected with trial preparation and discovery; interviews witnesses and assists the attorney at trial or at depositions.

3. Performs legal research and assists in the preparation of contracts, leases, briefs and legal opinions; may perform statistical research required for litigation.

4. Assists in the preparation of legislation, including research of existing statutes and regulations, review of existing legislation for possible conflicts with proposed legislation and analysis or digesting of proposed legislation.

5. As assigned, maintains a tracking system for adjusting claims against the City, coordinates investigation and departmental review of claims and communicates with members of the public and departmental representatives relative to claims against the City.

6. Corresponds and communicates with attorneys, representatives of other governmental agencies and the general public.

7. As assigned, analyzes depositions, exhibits, and pleadings to extract facts pertinent to issues argued on brief; may assemble exhibits, affidavits and other legal documents for use in preparing a trial.

8. Interviews citizens with complaints and obtains information for appropriate City legal department; may observe a variety of legal conferences and proceedings; when assigned, attends and observes court room activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 Requires knowledge of: legal procedures, legal terminology and legal research techniques.

 Requires ability to: speak and write effectively; analyze legal problems; perform legal research with accuracy and initiative; accept written and oral instructions; deal tactfully with attorneys, office personnel, court personnel, representatives of other governmental entities and the general public.

Experience and Training

 Completion of a certificated Paralegal Studies curriculum, or possession of an AA degree or higher with six months work experience in a legal setting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.