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City of Whitewater

Paralegal/Legal Assistant

City of Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin, United States, 53190

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The Paralegal/Legal Assistant supports the City Attorney’s Office by performing a wide range of legal and administrative tasks. This position provides critical assistance in the preparation and organization of legal documents, case management, and coordination with courts, departments, and the public.

Appointment to the position will be made at either the Paralegal or Legal Assistant level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform work with independence and legal proficiency.

The Paralegal performs advanced legal support functions, including independent legal document preparation, research, and case management in support of the City Attorney. The Legal Assistant performs entry to intermediate-level legal administrative work under direction and develops increasing independence with experience.

Salary Range

Paralegal: $25.13 to $33.92 depending on qualifications

Legal Assistant: $21.73 to $29.34 depending on qualifications

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential legal matters.

Prepare, draft, and format legal documents, correspondence, and forms for attorney review.

Maintain case files, contracts, ordinances, and other legal records in compliance with statutory requirements.

Assist with Municipal Court preparation, including subpoenas, settlement agreements, and case summaries.

Coordinate legal calendars, deadlines, hearings, and Council actions; notify departments of upcoming legal matters.

Conduct legal research and verify citations in briefs, memoranda, and opinions. (Paralegal level)

Prepare and review municipal citations, notices of claim, and litigation filings.

File documents electronically in Municipal, Circuit, and Federal Courts.

Develop and maintain standard form libraries and templates.

Assist with real estate and property documentation, including recording and retrieval.

Track and monitor legal deadlines, claims, contracts, and related legal actions.

Communicate and coordinate with courts, outside counsel, law enforcement, and City departments.

Draft confidential correspondence and process legal mailings.

Answer citizen inquiries and screen calls for the City Attorney.

Provide general administrative support, including scanning, copying, filing, and data entry.

Notarize documents as required.

Perform related work as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Assist with collection of outstanding municipal debts or small claims actions.

Monitor department budget, process purchase orders, and track expenditures. (Paralegal level)

Attend meetings or hearings as required.

Develop office systems and processes to enhance efficiency. (Paralegal level)

Education and Experience Legal Assistant

High school diploma or H.S.E.D. equivalent.

Prior experience as a legal or administrative assistant preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Paralegal

Associate’s degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or a related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of paralegal experience required; municipal experience preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain within four (4) months.

Notary Public certification, or ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of legal office procedures, practices, and terminology.

Knowledge of municipal law, regulations, ordinances, and legal processes. (Paralegan level)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, legal research tools, databases, and court e-filing systems.

Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff, courts, and the public.

Ability to follow instructions, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing priorities.

Ability to research, analyze, and prepare legal documents accurately. (Paralegan level)

Ability to work calmly and professionally under pressure.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

The employee must occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force.

Work involves frequent sitting, with occasional sitting, walking stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment within the Municipal Building.

The noise level is usually quiet to moderately quiet.

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions, though exposure to irate individuals, stressful deadlines, and sensitive legal matters may cause occasional discomfort.

Works under the direct supervision of the City Attorney. No formal supervisory responsibilities. At the Paralegal level, the employee performs duties with a higher degree of independence and may serve as a resource to other staff for procedural or document guidance.

SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, and reference check and job-related tests may be required. The duties listed are illustrative of the type of work performed and are not all-inclusive. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and may be amended as needed.

The City of Whitewater is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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