| Purpose: |
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Under minimal supervision, performs paralegal services for, and on behalf of, the City. Requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment on matters of significance involving the City’s general operations. |
| Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: |
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Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Prepares, assembles, and/or manages administrative and litigation reports or other documents on legal matters of high complexity.
- Organizes the processing of highly complex legal matters based on established departmental processes.
- Reviews judicial decisions, statues, articles, and ordinances to ensure drafted documents are in compliance with legal authority.
- Reviews and summarizes legal instruments/documents submitted by outside parties.
- Locates and interviews witnesses, and coordinates and schedules court appearances, trials, depositions, and meetings.
- Assists with out-of-court negotiations and settlements and filing documents with County/District Clerk.
- Serves, as needed, as point of contact for legal matters or cases.
- Communicates on such legal matters with external upper-level and professional personnel and City of Austin professionals and supervisors.
- Coordinates with City staff to ensure that drafted ordinances are accurate.
- Analyzes facts and scenarios in a thorough manner and gathers documentation to support facts and conclusions utilizing the public and law library, real estate records, and other resources.
- Drafts and or edits documents for review and approval.
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| Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: |
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May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
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| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: |
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Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of laws applicable to Texas local governments.
- Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
- Skill in the use of departmental computer systems and technology.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
- Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
- Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shift time deadlines.
- Ability to conform to departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
- Ability to exercise discretion in confidential matters.
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
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- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus seven (7) years of experience as a paralegal.
- Successful completion of an American Bar Association approved paralegal training program, paralegal training program conducted by an accredited college or university.
- Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for an accredited paralegal training program.
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| Licenses and Certifications Required: |
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