LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST

LAW DEPARTMENT

CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a Legal Administrative Specialist (Principal Staff Assistant) to join the fast-paced, high-volume collaborative and congenial Law Department. Under the direction of the Director of Administration & Operations and the City Solicitor, the position is responsible for the provision of high level administrative and clerical services in support of the City Solicitor and the Law Department. The employee will research points of law, write legal memoranda, prepare and organize legal document such as contracts and licenses, proofread, draft and submit legal documents and court filings, process payments, manage and organize files, calendars and schedule meetings, assist in technical support, and perform such other duties and tasks as assigned by the City Solicitor.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Elements

• Conduct legal research and perform legal fact-checking and communicate results of research in legal memoranda.
• Assist in drafting of legal documents such as discovery requests and responses, memoranda, orders, trial documents, and filing with court, mediations, tribunals or administrative bodies.
• Organize and maintain legal files, both physical and electronic.
• Schedule appointments, meetings, and court hearings.
• Manage Outlook and Teams calendar.
• Assist with trial preparation, including preparing case summaries and materials.
• Ensure compliance with legal regulations and stay updated on changes in laws.
• Manage correspondence and assist with law office activities and day-to-day tasks and duties in collaboration with other administrative personnel.
• Provide backup assistance for answering calls, providing customer service, contract and mail circulation and greeting visitors.
• Perform a range of legal functions including but not limited to the review and analysis of pre-litigation claims for appropriate and fair dispositions, requests for settlement authority and negotiation of settlements.
• Assist in drafting of contracts, leases, licenses, deeds, mortgages, and other legal documents.
• Participate and assist attorneys in meetings, court hearings, conferences, administrative law hearings and meetings for boards and commissions.
• Perform duties and tasks of other projects as assigned by the Director of Administration & Operations and/or the City Solicitor.
• Required to attend training seminars and workshops to stay abreast of changes to local, state and federal laws and regulations as well as investigative techniques and practices.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and office software.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws.
• Knowledge of various office routines, city rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of data processing, word processing, basic bookkeeping.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques for claims
• Ability to communicate and interact with the public.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to handle public complaints, inquiries.
• Ability to answer telephone, greet visitors.
• Ability to conduct non-complex legal research.
• Ability to work professionally and cooperatively with the public, all levels of staff, and executive management.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field OR.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Three (3) years of related experience providing customer service and/or clerical assistance in a legal/office setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience performing legal research
• Excellent communication skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal Certificate
• Five (5) years of related experience providing customer service and/or clerical assistance in a legal/office setting
• Two (2) years of experience conducting legal research
• Experience conducting research via Westlaw or other legal research software
• Municipal law experience
• Claims Adjuster/Investigation experience
  
  

SALARY RANGE: $ 68,520 - $89,768 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employmentor send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.