LEGAL ASSISTANT

Legal Assistant

This position is responsible for managing legal files, tracking critical deadlines, and serving as the primary liaison between the General Counsel & Chief Deputy Property Appraiser and outside counsel. This role provides administrative support to the Legal Department and contributes to the overall operational effectiveness of the department.

Duties And Responsibilities

The essential duties of the Legal Assistant include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for processing all incoming legal summonses, correspondence, and subpoenas.
• Open, organize, and continuously update all electronic case files.
• Calculate, enter, and maintain all litigation deadlines and time-sensitive matters.
• Coordinate and schedule depositions, mediations, hearings, and trials.
• Prepare legal correspondence, draft pleadings, and e-file court documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare documents for mediation, hearings, and trials.
• Perform initial review of all legal invoices.
• Coordinate responses discovery and subpoenas duces tecum.
• Track all court filings across various dockets.
• Manage rapidly changing priorities and deadlines across a large volume of cases.
• Ability to learn the functionality of the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system, AXIA, and Lexis Nexis.
• Work on special projects assigned by the General Counsel & Chief Deputy Property Appraiser.
• Serve as assistant to the General Counsel & Chief Deputy Property Appraiser in all matters affecting the Legal Department.
• Communicate professionally and interact effectively with staff, government entities, outside counsel, and the public.
• Perform all work efficiently and effectively both in the office and in a remote environment.
• Meet all attendance and punctuality requirements by reporting for work consistently and on time in accordance with office policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Skills And Qualifications

Must have a minimum of two (2) years' experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal. Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation or NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) credential highly preferred.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with an emphasis in Public or Business Administration, Legal Studies, Finance, or closely related field is required. Each year of required education may be substituted by two (2) years of work experience. Each year of work experience may be substituted by two (2) years of additional education.

Internet Software; Electronic Filing Systems (E-File); Spreadsheet Software (Excel); Word Processing Software (Word); Electronic Mail Software (Outlook); Presentation Software (PowerPoint); and Adobe Acrobat.

Ability to rapidly acquire and retain knowledge of administrative and procedural regulations; proven attention to detail, reliability, and outstanding organizational skills; and ability to prioritize multiple projects under minimal supervision.

Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to multitask. Must also manage deadlines effectively, prioritize tasks, and be proactive with limited supervision.

Ability to understand and carry out moderately complex oral and written instructions and follow office practices and procedures.

Strong interpersonal skills; dependable, punctual, and flexible.

Personality and temperament necessary for working under stress in dealing with staff and the public.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.