Lead Paralegal

SUMMARY/PURPOSE
Under supervision of the City Attorney the Lead Paralegal performs a variety of problem solving guidance administrative and support functions relating to the overall operation of the City Attorneys Office; provides paralegal support in the labor and employment law litigation and legislative areas; does related work as required by the City Attorney or designee; and serves as a primary contact for City departments and external agencies.

As a member of the city attorneys office leadership team the lead paralegal must demonstrate excellent organizational talent and interpersonal relations skills as well as have outstanding written and oral communication skills. The lead paralegal works on a variety of city files including labor relations litigation and legislative agenda items and assists with budget preparation and office administration. The ability to mentor and train support staff is important. The office environment is flexible supportive and team oriented. We are looking for someone who enjoys being a trusted and respected member of a high-performing team seeks intellectual challenges and wants to make a difference in their community.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class assists in coordinating the daily activities of the City Attorneys Office by planning and directing workflow of the office support staff.

1. Provide paralegal support to City Administration on matters involving City bargaining units and labor relations.
2. Research current and proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement language.
3. Draft City proposal for negotiating sessions.
4. Assist City Administration at assigned contract negotiation sessions help determine negotiation strategy and proposals.
5. Research contract and negotiation history to resolve or recommend resolution of contract interpretation and applications problems.
6. Assist Administration on a broad range of employment issues topics related to recruiting hiring discipline termination disability internal investigations litigation compliance with federal state and local laws and regulations best practice development and emerging HR issues.
7. Assist City Attorney Administration and Elected Officials in legislative matters; research and draft City ordinances resolutions pleadings letters and other transactional documents as requested.
8. Perform preliminary analysis of legislative issues and research legislative histories.
9. Gather and coordinate compilation of information materials documents reports and evidence necessary to respond to legislation and for agenda preparation.
10. Assist City Attorney and Administration in preparing and processing litigation; investigate and verify all relevant facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
11. Gather evidence take statements from witnesses prepare and file court documents in a proper and timely manner.
12. Prepare exhibits for presentation in court schedule and coordinate attorneys appearances and prepare materials for these events.
13. Plan direct and manage the work activities of legal support staff to maximize office output and efficiency.
14. Assist in developing policies procedures and programs to provide for the effective operation of the departments administrative support staff.
15. Serve as department administrator on numerous technology applications and programs; manage user access and security through passwords and permissions; ensure general compliance to maintain the integrity of each application.
16. Assist with budget preparation for the City Attorneys Office.
17. Perform long-term and short-term planning for required administrative program activities to ensure the goals and objectives are achieved.
18. Oversee the purchasing of office supplies and equipment to ensure needed work products are available.
19. Oversee and coordinate processes for file management and document preservation.
20. Train attorneys and support staff in the use of all office systems including case management system filing protocols and docket/diary procedures.
21. Provide training coaching and mentoring for office support employees.
22. In collaboration with the supervisor organize and direct the work activities of assigned team and determine work priorities assignments and work schedules.
23. Provide input on decisions regarding the hiring and discipline of personnel.
24. Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the supervisor and employees by maintaining two-way communication producing consistent results advocating for the team when appropriate and offering expertise to improve processes systems and the organization.
25. Other duties may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge skills and abilities required.

Education & Experience Requirements
A. Degree or certificate in an accredited post-secondary program as a paralegal legal assistant or other related field of study; and three (3) years of increasingly responsible full-time paralegal experience; or
B. Five (5) years of increasingly responsible full-time paralegal experience.
C. Experience with labor management and employment law preferred.

Knowledge Requirements
A. Knowledge of the nature of the legal system and areas of legal practice.
B. Knowledge of the litigation process in both the state and federal court system including documents used in instituting and defending lawsuits.

Skill Requirements
A. Skill in researching legal issues using ordinances statutes digests reporter systems legal encyclopedias legal periodicals and government documents whether printed or electronic.
B. Skill in reading and comprehending complex materials involving legal and technical matters.
C. Skill in computer operations and associated software applications utilized by the City.

Ability Requirements
A. Ability to prepare and process litigation as required.
B. Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a logical persuasive and accurate manner.
C. Ability to communicate effectively on a one-to-one basis and before groups for the purpose of obtaining or providing information.
D. Ability to work independently be resourceful and complete assignments from minimal information and under general instructions.
E. Ability to prepare a variety of reports policy statements and correspondence utilizing technical and statistical information.
F. Ability to set expectations and provide training in safe and proper work methods development and coaching for employees in conjunction with the supervisor.
G. Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that welcomes diversity ensures cooperation and promotes respect by sharing expertise with team members fostering safe work practices and developing trusting work relationships.
H. Ability to maintain confidential information.
I. Ability to use good judgment in decision-making.
J. Exhibit leadership qualities of dependability and accountability.
K. Consistently and independently prioritize ones own work and the work of others including scheduling assigning staff and securing resources.

Physical Ability Requirements
A. Ability to transport oneself to from and around sites of projects tests and other assignments.
B. Ability to work under pressure of time and conflicting demands.
C. Ability to attend work on a regular basis.

If available for this job classification detailed Physical Demands can be viewed here: Process Information

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin sex marital status familial status age sexual orientation status with regard to public assistance disability genetic information veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process(does not apply to Charter Appointment provisional temporary or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through .

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment provisional temporary or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education/Experience Review the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically the notice should be sent by email to .

VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment provisional seasonal temporary or part-time non-union selections

OPEN SELECTIONS
If claiming veterans preference please attach to your application (via file upload)a copy of all documents required for the option that applies to you:

Veteran
1.) Member Copy 4 DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran
1.) Member Copy 4 DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
2.) FL-802 FL 21-802 or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Boards written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater dated within 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran
1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;
2.) Member Copy 4 DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
3.) FL-802 FL 21-802 or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Boards written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if the veteran is unable to qualify for the specific position being applied for as a result of the service-connected disability.)

Spouse of Deceased Veteran
1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;
2.) Death Certificate or other proof of death;
3.) Member Copy 4 DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge. If Disabled Veteran also include
4.) FL-802 FL 21-802 or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Boards written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if applicant has not remarried and the veteran died during active duty or as a result of an injury received from active duty.)

Preference points will be added to Veteran Spouse of Disabled or Deceased Veteran or Disabled Veterans score only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS
If claiming veterans preference please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of the documents listed below:

Disabled Veteran
1.) Member Copy 4 DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
2.) FL-802 FL 21-802 or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Boards written decision of a compensation rating of 50% or greater dated within 12 months.

Preference points will be awarded to Disabled Veterans score one time on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment and only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.

Please refer toMinnesota Statute 197.455for additional information about Veterans Preference.