Legal Assistant
Apply NowCompany: City of Gaithersburg, MD
Location: Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Description:
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2025-01011
Department: Office of the City Attorney
Division: Legal Services (1111)
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
The is accepting applications for an experienced, organized, and detailed-oriented Legal Assistant to proactively perform a wide variety of specialized administrative and procedural legal duties that support the work of the City Attorney's Office (which includes four full-time attorneys), City-wide boards, committees, and commissions, and City-wide programs and initiatives.
The Legal Assistant is expected to apply extensive knowledge and abilities in coordinating day-to-day legal services operations, conducting legal research and preparing legal documents, overseeing specific programs or projects assigned by the City Attorney, and ensuring the timely, efficient, and effective delivery of comprehensive legal services. The position coordinates and directly handles the approval and execution process for all contracts and legal and property record documents, utilizing the DocuSign program; and has extensive contact with a wide variety of people that makes customer service within and outside the organization a top priority for this small, team-oriented division.
The successful candidate must be a master multi-tasker who can take ownership of responsibilities from beginning through timely completion and has the ability to manage competing priorities with minimal guidance and meet firm deadlines. The position requires amazing attention to detail; superior customer service, research, analytical, interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and time/resource management skills; and excellent proactive and collaborative instincts for how best to be of help in a rapidly-changing environment. Good judgment, common sense, customer focus, objectivity, and integrity are essential. Paralegal certification is required.
Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range ($78,000 - $88,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
Additional Information
Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is highly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time position, requiring 40 hours of work per week, Monday through Friday; a core work schedule will be determined upon hire. This is a non--exempt position, which means an individual in this position is eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the City's personnel regulations. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post-accident and random testing.
For more information about this position, contact City Attorney Frank Johnson at or 240.805.1086. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or 301.258.6327.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
HEALTH BENEFITS
(pdf)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
02
Indicate the highest level of education obtained.
03
Indicate the area of study in which your college degree was obtained (if applicable).
04
Do you possess a Paralegal certificate from an institute, college, or university approved by the American Bar Association?
05
List any other current relevant professional licenses, certifications, or credentials that you currently possess. Include the date completed or attained. If none, please state "None."
06
Do you have at least 5 years of skilled and responsible experience in legal services administration as a certified Paralegal?
07
List any relevant courses or other training that you have completed. Include date of completion. If none, please state "None."
08
List any relevant customized or specialty computer applications or programs (databases, software, etc.) you have used and indicate your level of expertise (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) with each. If none, please state "None."
09
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
10
How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
Required Question
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2025-01011
Department: Office of the City Attorney
Division: Legal Services (1111)
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
The is accepting applications for an experienced, organized, and detailed-oriented Legal Assistant to proactively perform a wide variety of specialized administrative and procedural legal duties that support the work of the City Attorney's Office (which includes four full-time attorneys), City-wide boards, committees, and commissions, and City-wide programs and initiatives.
The Legal Assistant is expected to apply extensive knowledge and abilities in coordinating day-to-day legal services operations, conducting legal research and preparing legal documents, overseeing specific programs or projects assigned by the City Attorney, and ensuring the timely, efficient, and effective delivery of comprehensive legal services. The position coordinates and directly handles the approval and execution process for all contracts and legal and property record documents, utilizing the DocuSign program; and has extensive contact with a wide variety of people that makes customer service within and outside the organization a top priority for this small, team-oriented division.
The successful candidate must be a master multi-tasker who can take ownership of responsibilities from beginning through timely completion and has the ability to manage competing priorities with minimal guidance and meet firm deadlines. The position requires amazing attention to detail; superior customer service, research, analytical, interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and time/resource management skills; and excellent proactive and collaborative instincts for how best to be of help in a rapidly-changing environment. Good judgment, common sense, customer focus, objectivity, and integrity are essential. Paralegal certification is required.
Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range ($78,000 - $88,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
- Coordinate assigned day-to-day legal services operations.
- Coordinate and directly handle the contract approval and execution process.
- Coordinate and directly handle the approval and execution process for all legal and property record documents and handle the Circuit Court Clerk recording process for land and official records.
- Administer and coordinate the City Attorney's Office database.
- Coordinate the collection of all City regulations, orders, directives, and other documents to maintain a database accessible to all City staff.
- Oversee and annually prepare and coordinate the annual budget for the City Attorney's Office; oversee purchasing for the division, order supplies; prepare and process invoices and purchase orders.
- Oversee and coordinate special projects and programs, including regulatory compliance and the whistleblower hotline.
- Organize, develop, obtain, monitor, and evaluate training programs provided by or for legal services.
- Manage information governance for legal services.
- Conduct legal research and write, prepare, review, and edit a variety of legal documents.
- Administer the City Attorney's Office records management program.
- Develop, streamline, and optimize internal processes, systems and procedures.
- Assist as needed in the municipal infraction program and court docket, collection of debt program, and forfeiture program.
- Conduct real estate title research and examination and review/prepare real estate closing documents.
- Receive and screen telephone calls, emails, and other correspondence; respond to general inquiries, complaints, and requests and provide assistance or information regarding a variety of legal services issues and other City services and/or procedures.
- Update law books, manuals, codes, administrative procedures, etc.
- Provide guidance and assistance to other legal services staff and general administrative support to the City Attorney and other attorneys in the Division.
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university.
- At least 5 years of skilled experience in legal services administration as a certified paralegal, preferably in a municipal government, similar public agency, or closely related private sector setting; additional administrative law-related work experience may substitute year-for-year for the educational requirement.
- Paralegal certification from an institute, college, or university approved by the American Bar Association (required).
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record (required).
- Be resourceful, diplomatic, and professional and willing and eager to assume new challenges and increased responsibility.
- Strong and effective organizational, customer service, time/resource management, research, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven computer/technology skills; must be extremely proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel) and be able to quickly become proficient with other specialized software and database applications; previous experience with DocuSign a plus.
- Detail oriented and accurate, with demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities, prioritize work, and meet firm deadlines.
- Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.
Additional Information
Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
- A complete online application
- Current resume (attached to the online application)
- Letter of interest (attached to the online application)
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is highly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time position, requiring 40 hours of work per week, Monday through Friday; a core work schedule will be determined upon hire. This is a non--exempt position, which means an individual in this position is eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the City's personnel regulations. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post-accident and random testing.
For more information about this position, contact City Attorney Frank Johnson at or 240.805.1086. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or 301.258.6327.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier
- Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family)
- Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)
- CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Wellness Initiatives
- Sun Life Indemnity Plan
- Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings
- Basic or Enhanced Plans offered
- National Vision Administrators
- Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings
- Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire
- 401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
- 401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
- 401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
- 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)
- Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
- Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
- Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
- Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
- Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually)
- Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed)
- Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
- Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
- Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
- Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
- Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
- Employee Assistance Program
- First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
- Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
- Credit Union
- Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
- Direct Deposit (required)
(pdf)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
- Yes
- No
02
Indicate the highest level of education obtained.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College (No Degree)
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- Other
03
Indicate the area of study in which your college degree was obtained (if applicable).
04
Do you possess a Paralegal certificate from an institute, college, or university approved by the American Bar Association?
- Yes
- No
05
List any other current relevant professional licenses, certifications, or credentials that you currently possess. Include the date completed or attained. If none, please state "None."
06
Do you have at least 5 years of skilled and responsible experience in legal services administration as a certified Paralegal?
- Yes
- No
07
List any relevant courses or other training that you have completed. Include date of completion. If none, please state "None."
08
List any relevant customized or specialty computer applications or programs (databases, software, etc.) you have used and indicate your level of expertise (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) with each. If none, please state "None."
09
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
10
How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
- City of Gaithersburg Website
- Job Interest Card Notification
- Indeed
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Other Website
- Social Media
- Friend or Relative
- I am a current City employee
- Other
Required Question