Job Description

The Real Estate & Development Unit is currently seeking to fill a Legal Assistant position. This position is for individuals interested in real estate and contract law. The Legal Assistant will support attorneys working on transactional matters by overseeing electronic and paper file management, facilitating the process of executing agreements, drafting correspondence and form agreements, and aiding the overall workflow and productivity of the unit.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating on several projects which often include working with attorneys and staff
• Organize and file correspondence, documents, and other papers for significant transactions as requested by the Division’s attorneys.
• Sending requests for information to relevant City agencies and following up to meet deadlines
• Perform title research to determine ownership of properties. Locate and retrieve title documents.
• Work closely with title companies to obtain title reports, clear title, and obtain title insurance policies. Review and summarize title reports.
• Review and summarize land surveys.
• Preparing letters and other correspondence for unit attorneys
• Maintaining organization/filing system
• Compiling quarterly/weekly/daily reports as needed
• Scheduling meetings
• Tracking assignments
• Answering telephones and assisting callers with general inquiries for the Law Department
• Logging mail
• Providing back-up support for hiring and recruiting efforts

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to write and speak persuasively
• Ability to work with multiple City Departments
• 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, SharePoint One Drive, Powerpoint)
• Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
• Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets).
• Email (mail merge, filters, folders, rules)
• Presentations/Slideshows (Powerpoint, Google Slides)
• Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other virtual platforms
• Ability to complete work projects in a timely and accurate manner
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;
• Qualified candidates must be hard working, organized, attend to detail, and have an eager, helpful attitude;
• Knowledge of City procedures is a plus;

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days. The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings. Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.

Qualifications

This is an entry level position. A degree in paralegal studies from an ABA approved program is a plus. Candidates who are commissioned notaries public will also be given additional consideration.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience

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

_ *The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire_

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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