Paralegal, Temporary

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is a professional, legal assistance position requiring the ability to work under the supervision of attorneys; to understand and solve given legal problems; to conduct investigations for a variety of cases as requested by attorneys.

The job will require legal research skills and a willingness to work independently once given a problem. This position involves performing legal research and writing, preparing draft trial pleadings, contractual documents, and agreements, responding to trial discovery, coordinating fact-gathering activities in a variety of cases, and organizing, monitoring and maintaining case files and other assignments under the direction and supervision of attorneys. The Paralegal is expected to exercise independent, professional judgment to maintain client confidences and to perform work assignments within established time frames. The work will be under the direct supervision of the Corporation Counsel and other staff attorneys.

This is a temporary assignment that will end no later than December 24, 2026.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares draft legal pleadings, including appearances, answers, motions, and memoranda under the direction and supervision of staff attorneys.
• Maintains case documents in proper order, both in paper files and digital database.
• Maintains and updates office digital databases, ensuring accurate and organized case information for easy retrieval.
• Prepares drafts of simple contracts for review and revision by attorneys.
• Conducts investigations as assigned by attorneys by asking employees and/or department heads, as witnesses, a variety of questions relevant to the case in question; prepares accurate reports of such investigations upon request.
• Schedules and coordinates depositions, ensuring all parties are informed and necessary documents are prepared.
• Interviews witnesses as requested by attorneys.
• Schedules & notices public meetings; prepares meeting agendas & minutes; posts minutes to City website in compliance with public meeting laws; and provide other support to attorneys as requested.
• Schedule meetings & webinars for attorneys using current approved technologies.
• Provides administrative support for attorneys.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a Legal Studies/Paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association; One to three years' experience in a law office, performing tasks such as legal research, document drafting and memoranda writing, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of legal research techniques, understanding case law and statutory materials.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of civil law.
• Knowledge of legal documents, pleadings, and litigation procedures.
• Proficiency in using legal software and applications for research, document preparation, and case management.
• Proficiency in utilizing office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.
• Ability to understand legal issues and to do statutory and case law research.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals to enhance investigative work assigned by staff attorneys.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of case files for investigative purposes.
• Ability to express ideas clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Must possess strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Must demonstrate high ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality and upholding professional integrity in all interactions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Stand

X

Walk

X

Sit

X

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

X

Reach with hands and arms

X

Climb or balance

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Talk or hear

X

Taste or smell

X

Lifting or force to be exerted?

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 75 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

Working Environment

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Wet / humid conditions (non-weather)

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Work in high, precarious places

X

Fumes or airborne particles

X

Toxic or caustic chemicals

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Vibration

X

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a Special Fund, "Non-Tested" position.

This is a TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT that will end no later than December 24, 2026.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.

• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.

• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!

• Review or modify your application for that position

• Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation

• Click "Send to City of New Haven"

• You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"

• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission

• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.