Paralegal

Position Description

The City of Tacoma, City Attorney's Office, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Paralegal to provide essential support to our Deputy City Attorneys in the litigation section of the Civil Division. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the legal work of the City and gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment. This position provides comprehensive paralegal support, including reviewing legal documents, conducting investigations, preparing discovery responses, drafting pleadings, and organizing case files.
The ideal candidate is a proactive and resourceful paralegal with a proven ability to anticipate the needs of attorneys and drive cases forward. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a proactive work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and a keen eye for detail. The ideal candidate is a problem-solver who is comfortable taking initiative and contributing to the success of the litigation team.
Responsibilities Include:

• Review and analyze legal documents and records to understand case facts and related information.
• Conduct investigations, including interviewing witnesses and gathering relevant evidence.
• Prepare written discovery responses and designate documents responsive to discovery requests.
• Organize and manage discovery documents, including electronic discovery.
• Draft pleadings, such as Answers to Complaints and Witness Disclosures, based on a thorough understanding of case facts and related information.
• Maintain accurate and organized case files.
• Communicate effectively with attorneys, staff, and external parties.
• Stay current on local and state court rules and procedures.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Associate's degree in paralegal studies or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
3 years of experience as a legal assistant

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Desired Qualifications:
Experience with trial preparation
Experience with eDiscovery platforms

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• City, county, state, and federal court systems and procedures; and other adjudicatory and administrative tribunal systems and procedures
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Research and record-keeping techniques
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• City organization, operation, policies, and objectives
• Telephone techniques and etiquette

SKILLS:

• Follow oral and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, public officials and the general public, being courteous, polite and tactful
• Possess strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to accurately analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action
• Possess strong organizational skills, including the ability to organize and plan work cases, materials, and priorities
• Meet established schedules and timelines
• Work independently with little direction
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing
• Analyze and summarize findings using automated systems and tools
• Rapid and effective research and fact-gathering skills
• Proficient computer and software skills, including the use of Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and time deadlines

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before 4pm on the closing date of this posting.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 3/20/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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