Legal Assistant I

The purpose of this job is to support City Attorney office's legal activities, including managing court calendars, case logs, creating reports and docketing. Responsible for electronic filing, claims management, customer service, FOIA log maintenance. Processes and monitors GP/FM and restitution claims on behalf of the City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

• Prepares legal documents from transcription and finalizes pleadings for filing with various Courts
• Maintains court calendar and FOIA log; maintains database including opening and closing of files; ensures retention requirements and appeal process
• Greets callers and visitors; handles and processes all incoming agency calls; screens calls and takes messages; directs inquiries to the proper source and answers questions within the context of established policies and procedures
• Types letters, legal documents, reports and a variety of other material from rough draft, clear copy, dictaphone, shorthand or notes
• Prepares and sends correspondence and form letters on legal matters where instructions are clear and precedence is followed
• Facilitates completion, collection and flow of required forms/documents such as legal documents or notices, purchase orders/requisitions, job applications, claims and billings, requests for information, travel vouchers or other forms indigenous to specialized operations
• Handles arrangements for commission and committee meetings; notifies commissioners, committee members and appropriate individuals of meeting details; records, transcribes and distributes minutes of meetings as required
• Maintains various reference files, assembles and organizes data and prepares necessary reports
• Performs related work as required

 

Required Education and Experience 

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent)

--AND--

• At least three (3) years of experience in responsible legal clerical and secretarial work

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone at (616) 456-4668.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.