Salary: $7,085.67 - $8,857.09 Monthly

Location : Livermore, CA

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: 24-204-01

Department: City Attorney's Office

Opening Date: 02/16/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for a Legal Assistant in the City Attorney's Office.

For complete job information, please refer to the

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review is March 8, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply now!

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides specialized paraprofessional and technical support to the legal and risk management divisions of the City Attorney's Office; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This paraprofessional classification with specialized legal support responsibility in the City Attorney's Office requires specialized knowledge of legal policies, procedures, and functions. All responsibilities and duties must be performed in a confidential and tactful manner.This job classification is designated "Confidential" and may have access to information related to the administration of employee-employer relations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is provided by the Law Office Supervisor. Direction on projects/assignments may be provided by professional staff members in the City Attorney's Office.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide assignments and direction to temporary employees, volunteers, and consultants.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions

Legal/Litigation Support Functions
Performs a wide variety of complex and confidential legal support tasks and other duties for attorneys and the Risk Management division in the City Attorney's Office, including drafting of general pleadings, discovery, memoranda, correspondence, reports, contracts, and other legal documents; prepares basic and complex court documents requiring knowledge of legal procedures, format, and terminology, in accordance with federal, state, and local rules; files legal papers with the proper court; performs legal research under the supervision of an attorney; identifies and verifies legal citations; organizes documents and files in preparation for hearings and trials; provides assistance with locating references in the law library; maintains law library; processes liability and workers compensation claims and litigation against the City; and provides information on claims and litigation to the Risk Manager, attorneys, department staff, third-party administrators, and outside attorneys.

Administrative Functions
Establishes and maintains accurate, up-to-date files; reviews and processes City contracts; responds to both internal and external inquiries; prepares and submits reports, such as required state and federal reports; provides information related to the work of the office to the public, law firms, courts, and various city, county, state, and other public and private agencies and entities; uses personal computer to perform word processing, spreadsheet and specialized functions with a high level of proficiency in computer software programs, including Microsoft Office; compiles statistical data and spreadsheet reports; builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public; monitors monthly expenditures and maintains specific financial records; assists in the development and monitoring of office budget; and may complete projects in support of employee relations activities; receives and processes mail; schedules meetings; and other duties as assigned.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of:
Basic legal concepts, principles, terminology and procedures, legal research capabilities, legal documents, court rules, forms and procedures required in a law office; processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents; pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations including the Ralph M. Brown Act; principles and practices of records management systems; basic accounting principles and practices; functions of notary public; modern office practices and procedures; personal computer operating systems and software applications; proper English usage; spelling, grammar and punctuation and demonstrated proficiency; operation and applications of modern office equipment; and alphabetical, numerical and chronological filing.

Demonstrated Skill to:
Work under the pressure of deadlines; maintain confidentiality; perform technical administrative support work involving independent judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures; use critical thinking skills to write logically and fluently; read, write, comprehend, and interpret complex business, medical, and legal documents; collect, compile, and present a variety of data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; effectively prioritize work assignments and multi-task to ensure assignments are completed in a timely manner; transcribe from electronic dictating equipment; accurately proofread a variety of documents, including contracts and memoranda to identify and correct grammatical and contextual errors; follow and implement instruction; use critical thinking skills toward achieving a goal when step-by-step instructions are not provided; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;; understand and follow oral and written instructions; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing, spreadsheet, and specialized functions; meet the City's keyboarding standard (45 net wpm); respond to internal and external customers in a professional, creative, and cooperative manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude.

Ability to:
Effectively apply the required knowledge and skills in the daily performance of assigned duties; develop solutions, within established guidelines, using initiative, tact, and good judgment; remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions; and read, comprehend, and interpret City and departmental policies, procedures, laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of increasingly responsible legal support experience, involving preparing and filing documents with the court.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by business or legal courses.

License: May require the possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.

Certification: Paralegal certificate from an American Bar Association approved program and California Notary Public certification are highly desirable.

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; attend meetings, workshops and seminars during work and non-work hours as assigned.

Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to read fine print and computer monitors; converse over the telephone and in person; operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and other office equipment; bend, stoop, stretch and reach; strength to safely lift and maneuver up to 30 pounds.

Retitled to Legal Assistant from Legal Secretary: 3/2004

Additional Information

Non-Exempt.

CITY OF LIVERMORE
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Confidential - Unrepresented

The benefits listed are provided to employees of the Confidential group. For a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click here . Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated: 11/2023

MOU TERM

N/A

SCHEDULED INCREASES

7/5/2021 2.5%
7/4/2022 4%
7/3/2023 3.0%
7/1/2024 2.5%

CAFETERIA PLAN (Medical/Dental/Vision)

$1,950/month towards medical, dental, vision, additional & supplemental life insurance; unused balance paid in cash to employee

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D)
$150,000 EE coverage, ER paid
$1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid
EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000 (not to exceed 5x annual earnings).

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)

ER paid

60% of base monthly earnings to $6,000/month max. (180 day waiting period)

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

Long Term Care Facility and 100% Home Care to $8,000/month with 90-day elimination period; 6 year duration (optional - EE paid)

PERS
New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.

Classic PERS Misc Member - 2% at 60

Member Rate = 7% EE paid
Employer Rate = 34.43% ER paid (includes unfunded liability; FY23/24)
36 consecutive months Final Comp
Sick Leave Credit
4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
Military Service Credit

New PERS Misc Member- 2% at 62

Member Rate = 7.5% EE paid
Employer Rate = 34.43% ER paid (includes unfunded liability; FY23/24)
36 consecutive months Final Comp
Sick Leave Credit
4th Level 59 Survivor Ben
Military Service Credit

MEDICARE ( Hired after 3/31/1986)

EE paid 1.45%

ER paid 1.45%

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS)

ER contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.

VACATION ACCRUAL

Years of ServiceTotal Accrual Per Year
180.6 hrs
2-5120.12 hrs
6-10135.98 hrs
11-15160.94 hrs
16-19180.18 hrs
20+192.4 hrs

Pro-rated for part-time EE.
Maximum accrual: 350 hours

HOLIDAYS

12 observed holidays

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL

96.2 hrs/year for FT

72.02 hrs/year for ¾-time

48.1 hrs/year for ½-time

Unlimited accrual

SICK LEAVE USAGE

FAMILY SICK LEAVE - Immediate Family Illness: ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual.
PARENTAL LEAVE - 4 regularly scheduled workdays for non-birthing parent to become a parent by adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE (non-immediate family) - 3 regularly scheduled workdays max to be used for sister-in-law and brother-in-law.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.

PERSONAL LEAVE

16 hrs/yr

Pro-rated for part-time EE.

PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA

EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City rules and regulations. Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act

DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b)

ER contribution of $185 per pay period with minimum contribution of $75 per pay period by employee.

2024 Maximum

Normal = $23,000

Age 50+ = $7,500

Catchup Limits = $46,000

Section 125 PLAN

(No ER contribution)

2023 Maximums

Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year; *See IRS Pub #503

Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,200/year

Pre-tax Health Care Premiums
FSA's for Dependent Care
Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
Other options offered by plan administrator

SUPERVISORY DIFFERENTIAL PAY

Min of 10% above base salary of non-mgmt subordinate, 7.5% above mgmt subordinate

ACTING PAY & SPECIAL PROJECTS PAY

Acting Pay

If work min of 5 consecutive calendar days, paid @ lowest step of higher class with at least a 5% differential. If assignment > 12 months, optional incr. of up to 7% or max of the range, whichever is less.

Special Project Pay

If work min of 30 calendar days, 5% - 7% differential. If full supervisory, additional % to reflect 2.5% over highest compensated subordinate. If assignment > 12 months, optional increase of up to 7%.

BILINGUAL PAY

$50/pay period. Must be certified by DH, approved by City Manager, and used on the job.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE (If authorized) - See Administrative Regulation #36 for details

Standard = $40/month

Enhanced = $90/month for exempt only

OT COMP & COMP TIME OFF

OT for > 40 hrs/week @1 ½ x reg pay or Comp Time in lieu of OT for FLSA nonexempt.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

75% reimbursement for tuition & books
For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime maximum
For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime maximum

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

100% reimbursement for required licenses, certifications, and professional memberships

HEALTH CLUB REIMBURSEMENT

$100.00/month max for monthly dues

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations.

FLSA WORK PERIOD

168 hour pay period beginning Monday at 12:01 a.m., ending 7 days later on Sunday at 12:00 midnight. If an EE is not on this work week schedule, something must be in writing documenting EE's work week.

PAY PERIODS
26 pay periods per year

Benefits listed are for regular full-time employees. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.

ER = Employer
EE = Employee
FT = Full-time
PT = Part-time

01

How many years of full-time (or combined years of part-time) progressively responsible administrative/ legal support experience in a formal legal office environment do you possess? (Note: 20 hours/week for two years = 1 year of experience)

Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 or more years

02

Have you completed a paralegal certification program approved by the American Bar Association? If yes, please upload a copy of your certificate.

03

Briefly describe your experience in the following areas. Be sure to include the name of the employer, your job title, and the employment dates when performing the described experience. a.) Preparing and filing legal pleadings and Judicial Council forms. b.) Drafting correspondence.c.) Proofreading documents for spelling, punctuation, and contextual errors.d.) Case Management: calendaring court dates, legal deadlines, depositions, administrative hearings, and other critical dates e.) Establishing and maintaining files; assembling and summarizing file materials. f.) Conducting legal research including the use of LexisNexis or Westlaw.g.) Gathering, organizing, and maintaining records in response to discovery and/or Public Records Act requests.

04

Describe your experience with computer software programs. Highlight any experience with Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), legal research, and/or case management programs. For each program you have used, describe the types of documents you produced and your level of proficiency.

05

This position is in the City Attorney's Office and is designated as at-will. There is no probationary period for at-will employment. At-will employees do not have legal right to continued employment and may be released from employment with or without cause, and without the right to appeal. Are you interested in at-will employment?

06

I hereby certify that my answers to the above questions are complete and true to the best of my knowledge. I agree and understand that any misstatement of the material facts contained in the application or supplemental questionnaire will cause me to forfeit all rights to employment with the City of Livermore.

Required Question