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

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.

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 
• 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
• Ability to work independently and think proactively 
• Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
• Computer skills required/desired for the position include:

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access)

Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)

Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc) 

Email (mail merge, filters, folders, rules)

Presentations/Slideshows (PowerPoint, Google Slides, OpenOffice Impress, Tableu)

Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other virtual platforms

• Ability to complete work projects in a timely and accurate manner
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

Preferred candidate will possess an Associates degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have executive assistant experience, preferably in a legal setting. 

Work Location & Onsite Expectations

This position is designated as fully onsite, and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

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 for the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available. 

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters: https://smrtr.io/zg94j

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Sean Kirby, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Tort Litigation Unit (sean.kirby@phila.gov).

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 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