Paralegal - Code Compliance

City Of Savannah - Savannah, GA

Full-time - Entry Level

Savannah, GA

Personal and Laundry Services

About the position

The City of Savannah is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Paralegal to join its Code Compliance Department. This full-time permanent position is essential for providing paralegal services, including research and document preparation, to support the department's legal functions. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in assisting with the planning, recommending, drafting, disseminating, and enforcing new and revised administrative policies and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to coordinating special projects with other city departments or external agencies as assigned, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across various stakeholders. In this role, the Paralegal will be responsible for monitoring mail distribution, flagging urgent information, and communicating priorities to the appropriate personnel. Conducting thorough research and analysis of facts, applicable laws, and cases is a key function, particularly for complex or unusual legal issues. The Paralegal will work closely with attorneys to devise suitable methods and establish defensible standards for unprecedented situations, utilizing online research services and other resources to gather necessary information. The position also involves assisting in the investigation of facts, statutes, regulations, and case law to identify causes of action and prepare cases accordingly. This includes conducting interviews and applying various techniques to obtain pertinent information regarding legal matters. The Paralegal will be responsible for composing, proofing, and correcting legal correspondence and related documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards. Additionally, the role includes maintaining case files, preparing and filing litigation documents, and coordinating filings with the City Attorney and Associate City Attorney. The Paralegal will also engage in the preparation of easements and deeds, review contracts for proper certifications and signatures, and ensure that legal textbooks and reference materials are up to date. This position requires a strong understanding of modern office procedures, legal terminology, and the ability to maintain accurate records while prioritizing work assignments effectively. The successful candidate will contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Code Compliance Department, ensuring that legal processes are handled with precision and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Assists with planning, recommending, drafting, disseminating and enforcing new and changed department administrative policies and procedures.
• Coordinates special projects with other city departments or outside agencies, as assigned.
• Monitors mail distribution, flags urgent information and communicates priorities to the appropriate person.
• Conducts research and analysis of facts and applicable laws and cases, including those pertaining to issues of the most difficult or unusual nature, as instructed by attorney being supported.
• Confers with attorney to devise suitable methods and set defensible standards for use in unprecedented situations.
• Utilizes online research services and other computer-based and written resources, and requests for information pursuant to applicable statutes and regulations.
• Assists with investigation of facts, statutes, regulations and case law to identify causes of action and prepare cases appropriately, conducts interviews, and applies other techniques to obtain pertinent information regarding legal matters.
• Tracks legislation and provides liaison services in area of assignment, if required.
• Composes, proofs and corrects legal correspondence and related documents for review and approval of attorney supported, and for signature of City Attorney, or designees, as required.
• Prepares initial and final drafts including business letters, internal memoranda, legal opinions, appeals, pleadings, subpoenas, interrogatories, requests for production, deposition notices, ordinances, resolutions, settlement agreements, contracts, deeds and debt collection instruments using a personal computer and word processing software.
• Opens and maintains case files; prepares and files all litigation documents; maintains litigation and conflict calendars; coordinates filings with City Attorney and Associate City Attorney.
• Coordinates and/or prepares claims or responses to all bankruptcies; prepares and files tax claims in bankruptcies and tax foreclosures.
• Prepares easements and deeds, orders funds paid in consideration, and records all conveyances.
• Reviews contracts and ensures proper certifications and signatures are obtained.
• Types general correspondence and forms from handwritten notes or dictation; maintains office files.
• Prepares and assembles administrative and litigation reports.
• Files legal documents with court clerks and administrative agencies.
• Ensures legal and other textbooks, reference manuals and periodicals are up to date, cataloged, cross indexed and shelved in an orderly manner.
• Prepares payments to outside contractual attorneys for their fees and reimbursements for professional work rendered to the City.
• Prepares Savannah legal pleadings for destruction of evidence (confiscated items) and files with designated court.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal studies.
• Four (4) years of experience in administrative office management in a legal setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of modern office procedures, including legal and paralegal duties and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal documents.
• Knowledge of relevant city and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in organizing work and maintaining accurate records.
• Skill in prioritizing work assignments.
• Skill in operating office equipment such as calculators, typewriters, facsimile machines, shredders, transcription machines, and copiers.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and various word processing and database software programs.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.

Benefits

• Pension plan
• 457 plan
• Vacation leave
• Holiday leave
• Sick leave
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance