Description

Position Summary

The position of Legal Assistant provides an opportunity for a legal assistant to support attorneys on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters. This position requires strong communication, organization, and project management skills. Typical tasks include but are not limited to: factual research regarding ongoing cases and potential litigation, preparing certain litigation documents, e-filing, case file organization and management, document review, and preparation of deposition notices and subpoenas. The role may also include some administrative tasks such as scheduling and processing of settlements and vendor payments.

All Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Department’s focus on fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing certain court filings and exhibits for depositions, hearings, and trial
• Tracking and organizing case files
• Assisting in all aspects of the discovery process in civil litigation
• Assisting attorneys with Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities and other tasks related to briefs and motions
• Participating in meetings with clients, stakeholders, and opposing counsel

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and ability to prepare and review legal documents and correspondence with precision and accuracy
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so others will understand
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to effectively manage multiple deadlines and tasks
• Strong research skills, including ability to identify reliable news sources and effectively summarize and organize information
• Proficiency in online legal research tools and government/court databases
• Experience managing case files, tracking deadlines, and organizing records
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• Candidates must have an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree.  
• Prior experience as a paralegal/legal assistant, particularly with a litigation focus, is preferred.

Additional Information

Did you know?

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.  Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more. 
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available. 

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters: https://smrtr.io/v8VVn 

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Lydia Furst, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit (lydia.furst@phila.gov).

Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx