Job Posting Information
- ---------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------
- ---------------------------------
- Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
- Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
- Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member\-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member\-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service\-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.
- Marriage certificate;
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member\-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service\-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.
- The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
- The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service\-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.
- Marriage certificate;
- Death certificate;
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member\-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service\-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.
- The applicant must not have remarried;
- The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member\-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service\-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
The City of Duluth seeks a Paralegal to join our Civil Division team!
The Civil Paralegal is a key member of our litigation team, which represents the City, related authorities, officers, and employees in state and federal courts, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings. In addition, the Paralegal works on a variety of other City files, including unemployment claims, workers' compensation matters, and City contracts. We are looking for someone who enjoys being a trusted and respected member of a high performing team, seeks intellectual challenges, and wants to make a difference in their community.
The City of Duluth Attorney's Office
The Office of the City Attorney is committed to providing excellent legal services, advice, and representation to the City, City Authorities, Commissions, officials and staff, and honoring the highest principles of the legal profession.
The City of Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota, is a city for all ages with a growing community of young professionals. Duluth is northern Minnesota’s largest city and home to two colleges and a university. It has something for everyone, including historic neighborhoods, a vibrant cultural scene, a thriving craft district, and beautiful parks. Dubbed “the outdoor capital of the Midwest” by the Minneapolis Star\-Tribune, Duluth has miles of trails for hiking, biking, running and skiing. Duluth is located close to Lake Superior’s beautiful North Shore and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, but still an easy drive to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
Performs advanced legal professional work to provide a wide variety of complex legal assistance to attorneys in civil litigation and general legal services.
Essential Duties \& Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
1\. Draft pleading, motions and discovery documents for all civil litigation.
2\. Manage incoming and outgoing discovery production; including designing and developing documents management data bases.
3\. Draft and respond to discovery request and compile documents.
4\. Investigate backgrounds of parties and claims involved in litigation.
5\. Schedule depositions with all parties, draft subpoenas, prepare exhibits, and summarize resulting deposition transcripts.
6\. Obtain records, evidence and witness statements as needed for litigation purposes.
7\. Schedule attorney appearances and make travel arrangements when necessary.
8\. Maintain master litigation calendar for court hearings, depositions, deadlines, etc.
9\. Schedule hearings with court officials.
10\. Collect medical records; identify providers, analyze and create record summaries for civil litigation and workers' compensation claims.
11\. Analyze technical and engineering documentation and evidence as applicable for civil litigation cases.
12\. Arrange for independent medical examinations, draft correspondences to physicians and provide all appropriate medical records and other case documents to submit for the independent medical examination.
13\. Interview potential witnesses for all civil litigation, workers' compensation and unemployment claims.
14\. Draft affidavits and prepare exhibits.
15\. Communicate with clients collecting evidence from city departments.
16\. Schedule witnesses for trial/hearings for all civil litigation, workers' compensation, unemployment and bankruptcy cases, and prepare and serve subpoenas or arrange for services.
17\. Prepare complex statistical and financial reports to support/defend claims.
18\. Arrange for expert testimony for trial.
19\. Prepare and organize exhibits for trials and administrative hearings.
20\. Provide technology support in court during trials and administrative hearings.
21\. Electronically file court documents as required in various branches of court.
22\. Investigate all workers' compensation claims and prepare documents required for litigation and manage the full scope of preparing depositions and hearings.
23\. Electronically respond to unemployment claims which includes; researching employment history, raising an issue if discrepancies are found, gathering information for appeals, and investigating any reports of inability to perform job duties or employment misconduct.
24\. Review and process bankruptcy filings, including preparation of proofs of claim and coordinating interdepartmental information.
25\. Monitor the bankruptcy process and submit claims as necessary.
26\. Perform computerized and internet legal research and prepare law summaries for attorney review.
27\. Research matters as assigned by attorneys and provide legal memo on results.
28\. Provide government data practices support.
29\. Provide office administration support including; the department budget, document retention schedule, electronic and paper filing system, designing and implementing office procedures, and develop recommendations for improving office functions.
30\. Provide training and direction to administrative support staff including; technical support and troubleshooting for division presentation system and database software.
31\. Perform real property research as requested, including filing or obtaining documents as required.
32\. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Education \& Experience Requirements
A. Graduation from an accredited post\-secondary program or college/university as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant, plus three (3\) years of progressively responsible, verifiable experience in preparing and processing litigation and legal support work; OR a combination of verifiable education and experience equaling six (6\) years which demonstrates experience in paralegal or legal support work.
B. Experience with complex litigation preferred.
Knowledge Requirements
A. Advanced knowledge of the nature of the legal system and areas of legal practice.
B. Advanced knowledge of the litigation process in both the state and federal court systems, including documents used in instituting and defending lawsuits in personal injury, contract, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits and bankruptcy.
C. Advanced working knowledge of court rules, filing requirements, service requirements, and time deadlines.
D. Ability to gain knowledge of codes, regulations, and procedures relating to the operation of City Government.
E. Knowledge of modern methods of office administration to facilitate efficiencies.
F. Working knowledge of state real property documents and recording system.
Skill Requirements
A. Highly proficient skill in researching legal issues using ordinances, statutes, digests, reporter systems, legal encyclopedias, legal periodicals, and government documents, whether printed or electronic.
B. Ability to read, interpret and present complex legal information efficiently and effectively.
C. Advanced skill in microcomputer operations and associated software applications including word processing, data base, and spread sheet.
D. Advanced skill in drafting legal documents under attorney direction.
E. Highly effective skill to independently prioritize, plan, coordinate, organize, lead and monitor multiple matters of complex nature simultaneously and quickly adapting to changing time frames.
F. Advanced skill to prepare and process litigation as required.
Ability Requirements
A. Ability to communicate effectively on a one to one basis or before groups for the purpose of obtaining or providing information.
B. Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a logical, persuasive and accurate manner.
C. Advanced ability to work independently, be resourceful and complete assignments from minimal information and under general instructions.
D. Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established legal practice guidelines.
E. Ability to anticipate attorney’s needs and be prepared with solutions.
F. Ability to accurately and thoroughly document and file information.
G. Ability to work under pressure of time and conflicting demands.
H. Ability to prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
I. Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that welcomes diversity, ensures cooperation, and promotes respect by sharing expertise with team members, fostering safe work practices, and developing trusting work relationships.
Physical Ability Requirements
A. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
B. Fine manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment in the preparation of documents, reports and databases.
C. Ability to hear and speak to exchange information.
D. Ability to transport oneself to, from, and around worksites.
E. Ability to occasionally lift and carry presentation materials and equipment weighing up to 10 pounds.
F. Ability to attend work on a regular basis.
Selection Process Information
Education \& Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point)
Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience, as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass the Education \& Experience Review will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.
Non\-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran\-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part\-time non\-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218\-730\-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218\-730\-5630\.
Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.
Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part\-time non\-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education \& Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to hrinformation@duluthmn.gov.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part\-time non\-union selections
To apply for Veterans’ Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.
OPEN SELECTIONS
Veteran
Required Documents:
Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
Spouse of Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
Eligibility:
Spouse of Deceased Veteran
Required Documents:
Eligibility:
PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS
Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran’s score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.
Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197\.455 for additional information about Veterans' Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
Benefits are prorated for part\-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.