Job Description
Current employees of any Merit System agency should click "Apply-Internal." All others should click "Apply-External." LOCATIONS: Jefferson County; Birmingham TARGET CLOSE DATE: 05/22/2026 PAY GRADE: Grade 20 TYPE: Full time JOB SUMMARY: Paralegals working within the Merit System are responsible for providing administrative and paraprofessional support to attorneys in preparation for legal proceedings (e.g., litigation, prosecution). Employees in this position conduct research using legal databases and resources, investigate legal claims made against their jurisdictions (e.g., City of Birmingham, Jefferson County), prepare documentation for court cases, and communicate case information to involved parties (e.g., witnesses, attorneys, opposing parties, city representatives). Paralegals work both in an office and courtroom setting using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier) and have no supervisory responsibilities to subordinate personnel. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency. Birmingham: $45,136 - $70,012 Jefferson County: $50,128 - $77,771 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position. Minimum qualifications are subject to change: Experience drafting legal documents (e.g., pleadings, discovery, briefs, research memoranda, motions) using word processing software (e.g., MS Word). Experience researching laws, regulations, ordinances, case law, etc. using various resources (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis, books, internet). Experience managing legal files (e.g., collecting and organizing relevant case information, calendaring, extraditions, sentencing guidelines worksheet). Experience managing civil and/or criminal litigation (e.g., case management and discovery, managing electronic document systems, preparing and/or reviewing subpoenas, gathering documents, preparing responses to discovery requests. TYPICAL JOB DUTIES: Researches and analyzes legal sources using databases, statutes, case law, rules, and regulations to maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, legal procedures, and court requirements. Investigates claims and complaints by interviewing witnesses, documenting incident sites, gathering evidence, reviewing records, and preparing statements to support litigation and reduce potential liability. Drafts and prepares legal documents such as correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, affidavits, discovery requests and responses, and factual summaries to support case development and attorney work products. Organizes, serves, files, produces, and maintains legal documents and records for courts, attorneys, clients, and opposing parties to ensure compliance with court rules and support case preparation. Coordinates with attorneys, opposing counsel, City departments, witnesses, experts, court personnel, and the public to facilitate case development, information exchange, and trial preparation. Assists with discovery by collecting, reviewing, organizing, and indexing documents; drafting responses; preparing privilege logs; and tracking deadlines to ensure complete and timely compliance. Manages case files and updates the legal case-management system by tracking deadlines, documenting case activity, and maintaining accurate, organized files for attorney review. Prepares summaries of depositions, interviews, records, and investigative findings to support attorney analysis and case strategy. Assists in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, preparing witness files, assembling trial notebooks, scheduling witnesses, and coordinating logistics with internal and external parties. Communicates with claimants, complainants, City staff, opposing parties, and members of the public to obtain information, clarify requests, schedule meetings, and relay case-related updates. Processes and responds to public records requests by gathering documents, reviewing materials for exemptions, and coordinating responses in accordance with applicable laws and policies. Assists in managing legal billing, cost tracking, and contract or claim-related documentation to support administrative and financial processes within the department. Attends court proc