Paralegal

The Legal Services Department is seeking a Paralegal. This position provides paralegal assistance to the office of General Counsel and Compliance. Reviews, revises, and drafts legal documents for attorney review, and assists counsel with responding to Clean Water Services (CWS) staff legal questions. This position will also assist with records management.(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Provides paralegal assistance to the office of General Counsel and Compliance; drafts, reviews, and edits confidential legal information, including letters, reports, memoranda, agreements, contracts, ordinances, and intergovernmental agreements.
2. Prepares documents related to hearings and/or administrative proceedings. Conducts legal or legislative research. Prepares supporting exhibits, memoranda, and presentations.
3. Coordinates with legal staff to track the status of lawsuits and other contracted legal services. Assists with docket and compliance deadlines.
4. Assists on special projects with information and fact gathering, and preparation of written analysis as needed.
5. Reviews and revises real property documents and files real property or other documents for recording with Washington County.
6. Assists with responding to public records requests and organizing public records.
7. Willingness and ability to serve as CWS Public Records Officer if assigned and coordinate public records program.
8. Assists procurement team to facilitate Legal Department review of contracts. Coordinates advice and responses to bid protests and Requests for Proposal/bid questions between the purchasing team and the Legal Department. Serves as liaison between project managers and Legal Department attorneys to facilitate timely responses for legal assistance.
9. Develops and oversees the Legal Department’s document management process and supports records retention.
10. Assists the Legal Department with monitoring procedures and controls to ensure compliance with Oregon State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct, Disciplinary Rules, and applicable local authorities.
11. Assists with training CWS staff on pertinent internal legal documents management and operations.
12. Performs general administrative work, including responding to requests for information, compiling and presenting data, explaining procedures and policies, preparing spreadsheets and databases, preparing basic legal internal forms as needed, and scheduling meetings. Ability to assist with legal administrative staff duties by covering legal administrative staff as needed.
13. Co-leads CWS performance and process improvement initiatives with the legal assistant.
14. Maintains and manages highly sensitive and/or confidential information and documents.
15. Maintains a positive, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture to improve the understanding and recognition of diversity and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
16. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Best management practices for organization and legal process improvements
• Contract and employment law
• Basic contract principles and practices
• Principles for writing contracts
• Public records laws
• Public contracting requirements
• BOLI Prevailing Wage requirements
• Ethics and confidentiality requirements of a local government Legal Department
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, administrative rules and regulations

SKILL IN:  

• Researching state, federal, and administrative codes, statutes, regulations, and case law
• Analyzing and summarizing legal documents, discovery, and testimony
• Drafting and proofreading motions, memoranda, witness and deposition outlines, and correspondence with outside entities
• Legal document management
• Trial document preparation and organization
• Developing and maintaining relationships with outside legal parties, administrative agencies, and vendors
• Use of computers and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
• Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills
• Law office organization

ABILITY TO: 

• Apply pertinent CWS rules, regulations, policies, and ordinances
• Perform legal research
• Analyze complex legal problems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the public
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Operate effectively in a team environment

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

5 years of experience as a paralegal or in a legal setting working with a public entity developing or revising legal documents for attorneys, including contracts and correspondence;

Paralegal or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent coursework preferred.

Public Records experience strongly preferred.


CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: 
Certification as a Paralegal from an ABA-approved program or certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants or records management certification preferred.

Must be a current Notary Public or be able to obtain a commission within two months of employment.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.



Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Salary : $37 - $51