Address
Form of workSalary: $4,770.65 - $6,393.05 Monthly
Location : Huntington Beach, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0300-0224
Department: City Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 02/16/2024
Closing Date: 3/8/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Legal Assistant.
City Attorney's Office
The Office of the City Attorney represents the City in all aspects of legal representation. In addition to handling all lawsuits in-house, and prosecuting crimes at the local level, the City Attorney's Office advises the City Council and all City officials in all matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Huntington Beach. Among other things, generally the City Attorney defends the City in every lawsuit, including Writs and Appeals, prepares and/or reviews all City Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts and other legal documents. The City Attorney also prosecutes criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of the City Charter or Huntington Beach Municipal Code, and such State misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute.
The Position
The Legal Assistant is the journey-level classification within the Legal Assistant series. The Legal Assistant differs from Senior Legal Assistant in that incumbents in the Legal Assistant classification perform a variety of routine administrative, clerical and legal secretarial job duties. The Senior Legal Assistant is the advanced-journey level classification and performs exceptionally complex administrative, clerical and legal secretarial job duties in addition to highly specialized project oversight and coordination, including the performance of lead team work as assigned.
Examples of Essential Duties
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years' (60 semester or 90 quarter units) college-level coursework in paralegal, LEGAL ASSISTANT, legal profession preparation or other directly related field desirable.
Experience: Three (3) years responsible LEGAL ASSISTANT experience including experience supporting attorneys in litigation matters handling discovery, law and motion and trial preparation.
Certifications/License: A valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record required by time of appointment and throughout employment.
American Bar Association (ABA) Paralegal Certificate desirable.
Proof of keyboarding/typing skill proficiency (45 WPM Net) will be required prior to appointment.
Application & Selection Procedure
Supplemental Information
The City of Huntington Beach offers a comprehensive benefit package to Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (formerly MEA) members, including:
The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.
PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.
TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.
GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular full-time employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.
The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:
Classic Miscellaneous Members:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation
New Miscellaneous Members under PEPRA:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.
CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.
An Agency Shop Agreement exists between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT). As a result, employees in classifications represented by the HBMT are required, no later than 30 days after commencing employment, to either opt out or become a dues paying HBMT member. All dues are collected via payroll deduction and distributed directly to HBMT for processing.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: Click on the links under "Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters" or "Municipal Employees' Association".
01
Do you possess a High school diploma or equivalent certification?
02
Indicate your HIGHEST level of education obtained.
03
If you indicated that you possess at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college level coursework in a directly related field and/or a degree, details of this information should be included in the "Education" section of your application. You may also make comments below.
04
Do you possess an American Bar Association (ABA) Paralegal Certificate?
05
Indicate your level of responsible LEGAL ASSISTANT experience which includes experience supporting attorneys in litigation matters handling discovery, law and motion and trial preparation.
06
Indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Word.
07
Indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
08
Indicate your level of experience with Microsoft Outlook.
09
Do you possess a typing/keyboarding speed of 45 wpm net or greater?
10
Are you a CalPERS Retired Annuitant?
Required Question
Location : Huntington Beach, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0300-0224
Department: City Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 02/16/2024
Closing Date: 3/8/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Legal Assistant.
City Attorney's Office
The Office of the City Attorney represents the City in all aspects of legal representation. In addition to handling all lawsuits in-house, and prosecuting crimes at the local level, the City Attorney's Office advises the City Council and all City officials in all matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Huntington Beach. Among other things, generally the City Attorney defends the City in every lawsuit, including Writs and Appeals, prepares and/or reviews all City Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts and other legal documents. The City Attorney also prosecutes criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of the City Charter or Huntington Beach Municipal Code, and such State misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute.
The Position
The Legal Assistant is the journey-level classification within the Legal Assistant series. The Legal Assistant differs from Senior Legal Assistant in that incumbents in the Legal Assistant classification perform a variety of routine administrative, clerical and legal secretarial job duties. The Senior Legal Assistant is the advanced-journey level classification and performs exceptionally complex administrative, clerical and legal secretarial job duties in addition to highly specialized project oversight and coordination, including the performance of lead team work as assigned.
Examples of Essential Duties
- Prepares a variety of legal documents including but not limited to: correspondence, forms, ordinances, resolutions, opinions, pleadings, briefs, motions, grievance reports, agreements, and contracts
- Maintains confidentiality of documents received, prepared and processed
- Ensures accuracy and proper format utilizing knowledge of proper legal format, terminology, and procedures
- Arranges schedules and confirms appointments, meetings, hearings, examinations, and depositions
- Assists attorneys at trial; assists in preparing exhibits and related materials; notifies parties involved
- Makes arrangements for court reporters, hearing officers, administrative law judges, and room reservations
- Coordinates witnesses, documents, and City employees to prepare legal discovery requests and responses
- Creates and maintains litigation, grievance, correspondence, and other case files; labels and indexes information; locates previously prepared documents and files
- Organizes, updates, closes, and files litigation and grievance case files for retrieval and future destruction
- Monitors and tracks requests for legal services for assigned attorneys from date of request through preparation stages
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years' (60 semester or 90 quarter units) college-level coursework in paralegal, LEGAL ASSISTANT, legal profession preparation or other directly related field desirable.
Experience: Three (3) years responsible LEGAL ASSISTANT experience including experience supporting attorneys in litigation matters handling discovery, law and motion and trial preparation.
Certifications/License: A valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record required by time of appointment and throughout employment.
American Bar Association (ABA) Paralegal Certificate desirable.
Proof of keyboarding/typing skill proficiency (45 WPM Net) will be required prior to appointment.
Application & Selection Procedure
- Application Review
- Examination(s) - The applications that best meet the City's needs will be invited to participate in a written exam (Pass/Fail), tentatively scheduled for March 22, 2024
- The top scoring candidates on the written exam will be invited to participate in an oral board exam (weighted 100%), tentatively scheduled for April 3, 2024.
- Selection Interview
- Background Investigation
- Appointment
Supplemental Information
The City of Huntington Beach offers a comprehensive benefit package to Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (formerly MEA) members, including:
The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.
PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.
TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.
GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular full-time employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.
The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:
Classic Miscellaneous Members:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation
New Miscellaneous Members under PEPRA:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.
CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.
An Agency Shop Agreement exists between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT). As a result, employees in classifications represented by the HBMT are required, no later than 30 days after commencing employment, to either opt out or become a dues paying HBMT member. All dues are collected via payroll deduction and distributed directly to HBMT for processing.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: Click on the links under "Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters" or "Municipal Employees' Association".
01
Do you possess a High school diploma or equivalent certification?
- Yes
- No
02
Indicate your HIGHEST level of education obtained.
- High school diploma or GED
- AT LEAST sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter units of college level coursework in paralegal, LEGAL ASSISTANT, legal profession preparation or other directly related field
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- None of the above
03
If you indicated that you possess at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college level coursework in a directly related field and/or a degree, details of this information should be included in the "Education" section of your application. You may also make comments below.
04
Do you possess an American Bar Association (ABA) Paralegal Certificate?
- Yes
- No
05
Indicate your level of responsible LEGAL ASSISTANT experience which includes experience supporting attorneys in litigation matters handling discovery, law and motion and trial preparation.
- None
- Up to three (3) years
- At least three (3) years but less than five (5) years
- Five (5) years or more
06
Indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Word.
- No experience
- Somewhat proficient
- Proficient
- Very Proficient
- Extremely Proficient
07
Indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
- No experience
- Somewhat Proficient
- Proficient
- Very Proficient
- Extremely Proficient
08
Indicate your level of experience with Microsoft Outlook.
- No experience
- Somewhat Proficient
- Proficient
- Very Proficient
- Extremely Proficient
09
Do you possess a typing/keyboarding speed of 45 wpm net or greater?
- Yes
- No
10
Are you a CalPERS Retired Annuitant?
- Yes
- No
Required Question
