Description
Position Summary
The Legal Assistant will work with approximately four trial attorneys and be responsible for sending out investigation requests to City departments and following up ensure that the City timely responds to Discovery requests. The Legal Assistant will assist in the drafting of Discovery answers, interview City inspectors, police officers and motor vehicle operators as well as conduct investigation to determine such things as property ownership, contractor or utility work (e.g., excavations) and background investigation of claimants. The Legal Assistant will assist with trial preparation and may be called upon to prepare deposition digests, subpoena requests, process settlements and judgments and other tasks as deemed appropriate by supervisors. Excellent organizational, oral and written communication as well as inter-personal skills are required coupled with the ability to manage numerous assignments. City residency is required within six months of employment.
Essential Functions
Duties of a Legal Assistant in the Tort Litigation Unit primarily consist of investigating and answering Discovery in civil tort claims filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia – Civil Trial Division. Duties primarily include but are not limited to:
- Processing settlement agreements and updating databases as required
- Managing our mandated reporting to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with claims information
Duties may also include:
- Sending requests for information to relevant City agencies and following up to meet rigid deadlines.
- Drafting answers to Discovery.
- Interviewing witnesses.
- Researching real property ownership or possession.
- Assisting attorneys with the logistics of case management, document preparation and trial.
Requirements
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills
- Effective and professional oral and written communication
- Client management skills
- Ability to manage numerous assignments.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;
Qualifications (Education and Experience)
The preferred candidate will possess an Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have experience in a legal setting.
Additional Information
Did you know?
- Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
- Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
- 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Generous retirement savings options are available.
Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters: https://smrtr.io/vSH9n
Any questions related to this position should be directed to Sean Kirby, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Tort Litigation Unit (sean.kirby@phila.gov).
Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
