Paralegal

Job Details

JOB LOCATION

14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring salary: $28.03 - $35.04/hour

The deadline to submit an application to this position is June 30, 2024. However, it is subject to close at any time once a sufficient amount of qualified applicants is obtained.

This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.

Overview of Department
The Mission of the Public Defender's Office is to provide complete, quality legal representation to indigent defendants who are faced with a possible jail sentence and are charged with a municipal ordinance violation in the Aurora Municipal Court. The Public Defender's Office is governed by the Public Defender Commission, which ensures that indigent clients are represented in accordance to its strict guidelines.

Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Paralegal position will investigate facts, research law, and prepare documents to assist lawyers in the Public Defender's Office.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Researches law, writes reports
• Prepares, proofreads, and edits ordinances and resolutions, minutes, legal filings, contracts, correspondence, memoranda, exhibits, subpoenas, and other documents
• Investigates and responds to unemployment claims from former City employees
• Conducts investigations and interviews witnesses in relation to a case
• Maintains a high degree of confidentiality regarding City legal matters
• Coordinates and compiles attorney status reports that track projects litigation calendar and report
• Files updates to City Code and maintains other legal education and reference materials
• Orders and obtains documents for attorneys
• Compiles exhibit notebooks; Assists as needed at judicial and administrative hearings and other legal proceedings
• Files documents electronically
• Performs additional duties as assigned, including administrative duties (i.e. answering phones)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Associates Degree in Paralegal studies, or related field

Experience:

• At least 2 years of law school

Abilities:

• Knowledge of general office procedures
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and statutes governing Colorado municipal operations
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, City Charter, City Code, and City policies and procedures
• Knowledge of legal terminology and forms
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal research and writing with excellent grammar, punctuation, spelling and computer skills
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with attorneys, citizens, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, outside agencies/personnel, support staff, and witnesses
• 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
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work under stress from deadlines and changing priorities
• Ability to quickly learn City systems, including litigation and agenda software

Skills:

• Skilled in the use of personal computers including related software, i.e. Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), Lexis, and/or Westlaw
• Typing 45wpm preferred
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Adobe and electronic legal research

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Paralegal certification

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work lifting no more than 10 pounds

• Expected to walk to court for trials, hearings and for transportation of court files; occasional lifting, carrying, and standing
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate office equipment
• Vision sufficient to read computer screens, reports, and related department documents
• Dexterity to operate computer keyboards and other related office equipment
• Endurance sufficient to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain morning's with employees and citizens

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment

Equipment Used:

• Frequently uses standard office equipment including typewriters, computers, calculators, multi-line telephones, copy/fax machines and postal equipment
• This position may require the incumbent to regularly use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

 City of Aurora

 06/15/2024

 Aurora,CO