Paralegal

Position: Paralegal
Department: Law
Reports to: Law Director
Status: Full-time, Unclassified, Non-Exempt
Pay Range: C-10, ($29.6390 - $40.0998)
Normal Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M./Variable

Job Summary: The Paralegal, under general direction of the Director of Law, will be performing various legal office functions that require thorough knowledge of the applicable law, structure of the legal system, and reference resources. These functions do not require personal performance by an attorney.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Examples of job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following duties:

• Evaluates and responds to requests for information including discovery requests which requires compiling and providing to defendant’s attorney detailed information about the offense, witnesses, prior records of the parties involved, and evidence.
• Preparation of court pleadings, briefs, memorandums, etc. subject to review of Director of Law or the Assistant Director of Law.
• Drafts ordinances and resolutions for the City of Wadsworth which includes researching legal and legislative materials.
• Reviews police reports and other documentation to submit for criminal complaint evaluation. Reviews criminal cases with law enforcement and other witnesses to obtain all necessary information for prosecution. When necessary the paralegal will do additional investigation on both criminal and civil cases including witness interviewing.
• Conducts legal research as required by the Director of Law or the Assistant Director of Law.
• Reviews upcoming scheduled cases, prepares praecipes for subpoenas, and follows status of complaint and subpoena service.
• Prepares and files in the appropriate court civil and criminal complaints on behalf of the City of Wadsworth or State of Ohio as authorized by the Director of Law or the Assistant Director of Law.
• Manages office schedule
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the basic principles of Ohio municipal law and criminal law.
• Considerable knowledge of municipal government and state government, their departments and their functions.
• Considerable knowledge of law enforcement agencies and their procedures including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Public Utilities Commission (which regulates the trucking industry and files many cases in the Wadsworth Municipal Court).
• Knowledge of court system and procedure.
• Ability and knowledge of proper research methods in gathering data and researching cases.
• Ability to gather, collate, and classify information about data, people, or things.
• Ability to prioritize work and work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work in tandem with the other paralegal to insure caseload is handled.
• Ability to utilize high-level time-management skills, while demonstrating consistently advanced organization and detail-oriented practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively via oral and written communications.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Minimum Qualifications for Employment:

• Knowledge of Ohio Revised Code and City of Wadsworth Code of Ordinances.
• Proficiency in operating a personal computer and flexibility in utilizing various applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, court employees, lawyers, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Strong ability to work effectively under stress; demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and sound judgment.
• Any combination of training and experience which would indicate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above including BUT not limited to:
  o Associate degree in Paralegal Studies (or related field) or 3 years of related business/legal support experience.
• Possession of a Paralegal certification or ability to obtain a paralegal certification within three (3) years of employment.

Special Information:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, employment reference checks, a physical examination and a pre-employment drug screen. The final applicant will be required to submit to urinalysis prior to the appointment to test for illegal drug use. An applicant with a positive test will not be appointed to the position.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a detailed resume reflecting the nature of the work performed in both current and prior employment. Emphasis should be given to work experience, training and/or duties performed that are relevant to this position and its minimum qualifications and requirements. Resumes may be submitted in the following manner:

E-Mail: Tara McCulloch, Human Resources Director at jobs@wadsworthcity.org

Posting Date: December 20, 2024
Posting Deadline: Open until filled

• If submitting by email, please submit resume in Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF format.

Job Details