Job Description

The Legal Assistant will work to support the attorneys by performing legal work in addition to clerical duties. Most of the Legal Assistant’s work will be in support of the Overturned Conviction Division, with additional support provided to the rest of the team as needed. The Legal Assistant communicates on a daily basis with members of the public, attorneys, judges, and department heads. The Legal Assistant will work with other Legal Assistants and Clerks as part of a team to ensure that the responsibilities of the unit are met. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Work with the Senior Legal Assistant and division attorneys to organize discovery and discovery processes 
• Create case chart tracking stages of division cases and anticipated future cases 
• Draft and issue litigation holds to various governmental entities 
• Draft and issue subpoenas as needed, and work with division attorneys to collect and process data received in response to subpoenas 
• Document Gathering - Working with City and Outside Agencies to gather all documents/materials relevant to each litigation file, including but not limited to, criminal hearing transcripts, certified records of conviction, EMS and Fire records, DAO records, DHS records, Prison records, OPA records and tax records   
• Assist in preparing witnesses for hearings and requesting discovery 
• Coordinate appearance of court reporters and technology providers  
• Prepare court notices, subpoenas for witnesses, trial exhibits  
• Schedule Independent Medical/Psychological Examinations, depositions 
• Interview City employees and witnesses as part of investigations 
• Follow up on action items

CLERICAL WORK

• Set up all new cases files 
• Maintain attorney and group calendars for all hearings  
• Copy, scan, fax and hand-deliver documents 
• Redact sensitive information from discoverable documents  
• Preserve electronic copies of documents

MISCELLANEOUS

• Duties as the Senior Legal Assistant and Chief require  
• Assisting attorneys with the logistics of case management, document preparation and trial

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent organizational skills 
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace 
• Effective and professional oral and written communication 
• Client management skills 
• Ability to manage numerous assignments

Qualifications

• The preferred candidate will possess an Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have experience in a legal setting. 
• Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Additional Information

SALARY: up to $45,320

NOTE - New hires must be vaccinated as of September 2021.

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters at:

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Anne B. Taylor, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Civil Rights Unit (anne.taylor@phila.gov).

Did you know?

• 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

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