Paralegal - City Attorney's Office
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Paralegal - City Attorney's Office
Salary
$63,835.20 - $78,478.40 Annually
Location
Charlottesville (22902), VA
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Number
250400005
Department
City Attorney's Office
Opening Date
05/16/2025
Closing Date
5/29/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Description
Benefits
Questions
General Summary
The Paralegal in the Charlottesville City Attorney's Office (https://www.charlottesville.gov/172/City-Attorney) performs responsible complex paraprofessional administrative, technical, and clerical support of a legal nature, including but not limited to providing litigation and legal support, legal research, document preparation and review, records management, etc. Reports to the City Attorney.
The preferred hiring amount is between $30.69 - $37.73 an hour ($63,835.20 - $78,478.40 annually ). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.
For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visithttps://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
Assists attorneys with drafting, preparing, and filing of various legal documents including but not limited to City loans; City easement deeds documents related to land use, contracts, acquisitions, bonds, sales, and public hearing notices; Social Services fillings; court pleadings; ordinances; memoranda; etc.
Receives contracts, pre-reviews required pages, and assigns to appropriate attorney.
Prepares confidential legal documents and general legal administrative support tasks including but not limited to preparing, compiling, proofreading, editing, formatting, and submitting of documents, exhibits, and correspondence; notarizing legal documents; creating and managing accurate records and files; preparing legal notices, preparing petitions, proposed orders, and other documents required in connection with court proceedings.
Prepares and maintains case files; research court files and records to determine the status of litigation. Responsible for monitoring case statuses for attorneys.
Receives subpoena duces tecum requests, ensures attorney reviews, and delivers records to requesting party.
Researches and analyzes statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treatises, real estate titles, and similar issues to prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, or appeals, etc. for review and use by the City Attorney's Office.
Determines scheduling timelines, gathers required documents and requests placement on City Council agenda and/or other public board/commission agendas.
Drafts and submits public hearing notices to newspaper.
Tracks and drafts annual audit letter, determines cases and descriptions for inclusion.
Communicates and responds to citizens, city staff, attorneys, and others regarding questions, problems, complaints, and general matters related to the City Attorney's Office. Screens and responds to inquiries via email, in-person, and/or over the phone; directs to appropriate staff when applicable.
Performs office administration tasks including but not limited to workflow management, filing, library maintenance, budget maintenance, court calendars, public body meeting calendars.
Tracks expenditures; maintains inventories and office supplies; and orders, processes, and documents a variety of accounting documents such as purchase orders, invoices, and work orders.
Prepares training materials, when necessary.
May coordinate and/or assist with the hiring and onboarding of new department employees.
Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Other Duties
Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.
Education, Experience and Skills
Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.
Associate degree or Paralegal Certification AND at least 4 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting.
OR
High school diploma or GED AND at least 6 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting.
OR
At least 8 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:
Must become a Virginia Notary Public within 90 days of employment.
Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Preferred:
Previous experience in a local government setting.
Bachelors' degree in an applicable field.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
Job Knowledge:
Working knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, federal, state, and local judicial system, local court procedures, law office management.
Thorough knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of database, spreadsheet and word processing applications such as Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of real estate transactions and social services administrative related work.
Reading:
Advanced: ability to read and understand complex written materials such as books, reviews, legal briefs, court findings, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.
Writing:
Intermediate: ability to write reports, prepare business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
Math:
Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement. Demonstrates ability to apply intermediate level techniques for statistical research, assessment and analysis and evaluation.
Communication Skills:
Intermediate: Examples include contacts that may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers and customers.
Independence and Decision-Making:
Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.
Technical Skills:
Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Proficient in more advanced software applications, complex databases and design packages. Demonstrates skill in specialized software applications beyond basic software packages.
Fiscal Responsibilities:
Prepares accounting, budget, employment actions, and purchasing documents; and does research to justify language used in documents for a unit or division of a department. May recommend budget allocations.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
May monitor administrative work completed by others. No formal responsibility for direction or supervision of others.
Other Characteristics:
Time pressures.
Works closely with others as part of a team.
Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
Interruptions and requests for service.
Must work effectively with sensitive and confidential materials and issues.
May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
Physical Conditions & Additional Information
Physical Demands:
Light Work: Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position.
Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Ability to observe at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. and position self to maintain files in file cabinet.
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:
Typically requires use of s tandard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.
Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.
The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.
SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Updated July 1, 2022
Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.
LEAVE:
Vacation:
3.09 hours accrued biweekly -- 0 -
3.85 hours accrued biweekly -- 3 -
4.62 hours accrued biweekly -- 5 -
5.40 hours accrued biweekly -- 10 -
6.16 hours accrued biweekly -- 15 -
6.93 hours accrued biweekly -- 20 -
7.70 hours accrued biweekly -- 25+ years
Sick:
4.62 hours per biweekly pay period, approximately 120 hours a years, no limit on accumulation
Holidays:
14 paid holidays per calendar year (13 observed and 1 floating)
INSURANCE:
Aetna Medical -
Choose from three options with different premiums and levels of coverage and coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire:
HMO: $0 premium for employee only coverage
POS 1: Employee-only premium of $36.28 per biweekly pay
POS 2: Employee-only premium of $13.02 per biweekly pay
(Dependent coverage is available but the cost of the premium is not subsidized.)
Prescription Card ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand, $55 higher cost name brand)
Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60 lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand)
Dental (Delta Dental)
No cost for employee only coverage. Dependent coverage is available but the cost of the premium is not subsidized.
Diagnosis and Preventive -- 100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care - 80%; Major Dental Care - 50%
Primary -- $50 deductible, 80/20
Prosthetic & Complex Restorative -- $50 deductible, 50/50
$1,500 maximum annual benefit
$1,000 Orthodontic Benefit
MetLife Vision Plan: Optional
Employee only coverage: $2.50 bi-weekly; Dependent coverage also available at differing rates.
Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay;
$130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.
Life:
Two times annual salary (paid by the City)
Optional supplemental life available for employee, spouse, dependents (paid by employee)
AFLAC: Optional
Cancer/accident/short term disability/intensive care insurance (paid by employee)
Long Term Disability
Protection from income loss due to long-term illness or injury (paid by the City)
RETIREMENT: The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS. There are certain provisions that must be met and the portability request must be executed within 18 months of vesting in the City's Plan.
Pension:
Choose from two options:
A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5 year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note that: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees)
Supplemental:
Deferred Compensation (457) - employee contribution
OTHER BENEFITS:
Flexible Spending Accounts:
Health Care Expenses
Dependent Care Expenses
Parking/Mass Transit Expenses
Parking Subsidy of $50 per month
Wellness Programs:
Gym Reimbursement Program
Monthly On-Site Nurse and Annual Flu Shots
Health Screenings and Fairs, Education Sessions, & Weekly Fitness Classes
Weight Watchers at Work
Bike Commuter Program:
Reimbursement of up to $20 per month for reasonable bike commuting expenses
Employee Assistance Program:
A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.
Tuition Reimbursement Program:
Up to $1,500 for undergraduate OR Up to $3,000 for graduate level tuition per fiscal year per employee.
01
Please indicate your level of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting. (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section on your online application.)
No experience related to the position.
At least 4 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting.
At least 6 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting.
At least 8 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within a legal office or legal/court setting.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed in the job announcement.
02
If you selected "An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed in the job announcement." in your response to question #1, please describe your qualifications, including relevant education and relevant work experience, as is relates to the position. If no experience, please write 'none.' If this question does not apply to you, please write, 'N/A.'
03
Please indicate your highest level of education below: (Must be verifiable in reference to the Education History of your online application.)
Bachelor's degree in an applicable field.
Associates degree
Paralegal Certification
High School Diploma
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed in the job announcement.
None of the above.
04
Do you currently hold a Virginia Notary Public commission, or are you able to obtain one within 90 days of employment?
Yes; I currently hold a Virginia Notary Public commission.
No; However, I have the ability to obtain a Virginia Notary Public commission, or are you able to obtain one within 90 days of employment, if hired.
No.
05
Do you have pervious experience in a local government setting?
Yes
No
06
To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.
Yes
No
07
I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Charlottesville
Address
P. O. Box 911 605 East Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902
Phone
(434) 970-3490
Website
http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs
