General Information
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Work Location: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205, 9th Floor Suite 969
Work Hours: Monday \- Friday, 8:00am \- 5:00pm
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $24\.60 \- $47\.05
Assists County Attorney and Assistant County Attorneys in the delivery of legal services to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, constitutional officers, and county departments. Drafts proposed legislation and opinions. Prepares memoranda of law. Assists attorneys in trial preparation including preparation of exhibits and visual presentations. Prepares training materials and presentations. Interviews witnesses. Prepares discovery. Files responses. Summarizes depositions and records. Prepares medical chronologies. Conducts legal research and factual investigations. Participates in the formulation of legal strategy.
Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Attorney. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Attorney’s authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.
Working Conditions
Indoor office environment. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting boxes or supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.
Job Description
Essential Functions
*These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.*
Conducts extensive and complex legal research. Conducts investigations and interviews with County employees or other witnesses to ascertain factual circumstances of a particular situation. Prepares associated reports.
Reviews Requests for Legal Services submitted to the County Attorney's Office by county departments. Ensures requests are complete and all necessary documentation is included. Works with requesting parties to resolve any discrepancies.
Prepares drafts of resolutions, ordinances, and other proposed legislation.
Prepares drafts of agenda items.
Prepares drafts of leases, contracts, and other legal documents.
Prepares drafts of initial pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, and other legal documents involved in litigation.
Assists attorneys in the preparation of requested legal opinions.
Prepares summaries of depositions and other documents and records (including medical records) for use by attorneys in mediation, hearings, and trials.
Assists attorneys in trial preparation including coordination of witnesses and exhibits.
Acts as Court liaison in preparation for trial.
Drafts jury instructions and jury verdict forms.
Prepares courtrooms, Board Chambers, and other locations for presentations and meetings, including setting up meeting and presentation software applications.
Prepares presentations for legal training purposes to be presented to various county departments.
Attends trials and meetings as needed.
Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County Attorney’s Office, the Board and the County.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Three (3\) or more years of law office experience performing advanced paralegal duties required.
Valid driver's license required with valid Florida driver's license required within 30 days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
More
Graduation from a Paralegal Studies program or a bachelor’s degree is highly desired.
Florida Bar Registered Paralegal or National Association of Legal Assistants certification desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
Accurate, detail\-oriented, and organized.
Able to analyze and resolve difficult problems and situations.
Good working knowledge and understanding of current state and federal court procedures and policies including virtual hearings and mediations.
Strong working knowledge and understanding of business English, spelling, and proper grammar.
Strong verbal and written communication and general math skills required.
Proficient in effectively using modern business and legal software including current Windows operating system, e\-mail systems, electronic calendaring and scheduling, word processing programs, metadata screening software, and filing pleadings in either state or federal courts utilizing e\-filing and other applications required to perform job duties.
Good interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, the general public, and other stakeholders.
Able to explain facts, policies, and practices.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295\.07, F.S., Chapter 55A\-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941\-748\-4501 x 3865\.
Drug\-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug\-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.