8173-Legal Assistant

Job description

CITY & COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

TITLE: LEGAL ASSISTANT

JOB CODE: 8173

DEFINITION

Under supervision of an attorney, performs a variety of paraprofessional legal duties for one of the legal departments of City government; engages in legal research assignments; interviews clients; and assists in the preparation of legal documents and instruments.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Positions in this class are established in order to effectively utilize the services of individuals who have completed a paraprofessional legal curriculum or related training. Employees in this class provide a variety of legal services and carry out important assignments not requiring the expertise of a professional attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Investigates, collects and compiles case materials and documentary evidence in contract and personal injury litigation.

2. Drafts Complaints, Affidavits, Motions, Interrogatories and other pleadings connected with trial preparation and discovery; interviews witnesses and assists the attorney at trial or at depositions.

3. Performs legal research and assists in the preparation of contracts, leases, briefs and legal opinions; may perform statistical research required for litigation.

4. Assists in the preparation of legislation, including research of existing statutes and regulations, review of existing legislation for possible conflicts with proposed legislation and analysis or digesting of proposed legislation.

5. As assigned, maintains a tracking system for adjusting claims against the City, coordinates investigation and departmental review of claims and communicates with members of the public and departmental representatives relative to claims against the City.

6. Corresponds and communicates with attorneys, representatives of other governmental agencies and the general public.

7. As assigned, analyzes depositions, exhibits, and pleadings to extract facts pertinent to is-sues argued on brief; may assemble exhibits, affidavits and other legal documents for use in preparing a trial.

8. Interviews citizens with complaints and obtains information for appropriate City legal department; may observe a variety of legal conferences and proceedings; when assigned, attends and observes court room activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: legal procedures, legal terminology and legal research techniques.

Ability or Skill to: speak and write effectively; analyze legal problems; perform legal research with accuracy and initiative; accept written and oral instructions; deal tactfully with attorneys, office personnel, court personnel, representatives of other governmental entities and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.

Experience:

License and Certification:

Substitution:

The required education may be substituted by other qualifying combinations of education and experience as described in the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 for Paralegals.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PROMOTIVE LINES

ORIGINATION DATE: 01/07/1980

AMENDED DATE: 04/26/16; 09/18/23

REASON FOR AMENDMENT:

To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S):

COMMN SFMTA SFCCD SFUSD

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation