Legal Secretary
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Legal Secretary
Salary
$46,002.00 - $59,699.00 Annually
Location
CAYMC, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
20232013325LAWbb
Department
Law
Opening Date
12/06/2023
Closing Date
1/31/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
LAW DEPARTMENT
LEGAL SECRETARY
Be A Part of the City You Love!
From the rich history that is full of first and great innovation to the unique culture, to the extraordinary experiences - there are countless reasons to love Detroit. The City of Detroit employs over 8,000 employees committed to serving the residents and businesses of Detroit. Our employees make a real difference with the work they do every day and have a hand in shaping the future of the city.
Join us at the City of Detroit to discover the excitement and rewards of working for a vibrant city and enjoy the satisfaction of doing work that helps make Detroit a great place to live, work and play. The excitement of being in downtown Detroit adds an extra element to the atmosphere for going to work. The City of Detroit offers staff many opportunities to help drive positive social impacts in our communities all while serving the citizens. The rebuilding & rebirth of Detroit is happening now!
Under general supervision, enhances attorney effectiveness by providing information-management support. Performs legal secretarial and clerical support work for staff attorneys.
Examples of Duties
The Law Department is headed by the Corporate Counsel, Conrad Mallett, appointed by Mayor Mike Duggan. The Law Department is required by Charter to represent the City of Detroit in all civil actions or proceedings filed against the city. The Corporation Counsel may also prosecute any action or proceeding in which the city has a legal interest when directed to do so by the mayor. The Corporation Counsel is the City's Prosecutor and shall institute, on behalf of the people, cases arising from the provisions of the Charter or City ordinances, and prosecute all actions for the recovery of fines, penalties, and forfeitures.
The Law Department is responsible for providing advice and opinions to the Mayor, City Council, and all city agencies. The Law Department is also accountable for approving all contracts, bonds, and written instruments. Upon the request of the Mayor or any member of City Council, the Law Department drafts an ordinance or resolution for introduction before City Council.
DUTIES:
Receives clients and office visitors.
Screen call takes messages and informs attorneys of urgent messages.
Provides information regarding the status of cases.
Operates personal computers to produce legal documents such as pleadings, briefs, opinions, complaints, orders, contracts, and subpoenas based upon verbal or written instructions and guidelines.
Composes routine letters and memoranda and prepares reports based on verbal or written instructions and guidelines.
Proofreads and corrects prepared materials for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, format, syntax, and content.
Review legal documents to ensure they are in the proper format and contain all necessary exhibits / attachments.
Inputs, retrieves, and updates information using a computerized database.
Distributes, files, and serves documents in accordance with the court, administrative, City Departmental, and other governmental agencies procedures; and e-file documents in all courts.
Communicates with other parties as directed; following up on delegated assignments; knowing when to act and when to refer matters to attorneys.
Sorts and prioritizes attorneys' mail, including correspondence, motions, legal and/or court documents, and brings important or urgent matters to the attorneys' attention.
Maintains, organizes, and updates attorneys' calendars, tickler files, and file management.
Schedules court appearances, assembles documents and exhibits, keeps a check on pending cases to avoid default in filing pleadings, and maintains court dockets and diaries.
Assists attorneys in organizing and responding to multiple priorities.
Accepts service of a variety of legal documents, including, but not limited to motions, beliefs, and notarizes documents.
Ensures all billable hours are accurately recorded.
Schedules and arranges depositions, IMESs and other requested meetings, conferences, and hearings.
Prepares vouchers for payment of authorized expenses.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or GED and completion of a Legal Secretarial Training Program or other related training programs.
Six months of clerical experience, preferably in a legal office.
-OR-
- One year of progressive clerical experience in a legal environment.
LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must be able to qualify to become a Notary Public.
Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
Interview: 70%
Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
Veteran Points: 0-15 points
Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Legal terminology and syntax, and of the content, organization, and format of legal documents and correspondence.
Court and administrative systems rules and procedures.
Office organization, workflow, and procedures.
SKILL IN:
Use of personal computers, database, and spreadsheets.
Accurate transcription of recorded dictation at a moderate speed.
Preparing statistical reports.
Information management.
Use of technology as a tool to provide support to attorneys.
Interpreting instructions and guidelines to make decisions and take necessary action(s).
ABILITY TO:
Compose routine legal documents, letters, reports, and summaries of complex material.
Proofread and edit routine correspondence and legal documents for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage.
Determine work priorities.
Use business English with proficiency.
Organize documents and files and handle changing priorities.
Communicate effectively; use diplomacy and discretion in giving out information.
Follow instructions.
Maintain composure during stressful situations occurring because of workloads and/or deadlines.
Effectively manage time.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
INSURANCE
Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become