What's the Role and What You'll Do
About the Role
The City Attorney’s Office is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Paralegal to join our dedicated legal team. In this key role, you will provide critical support to attorneys in a fast-paced, high-performing municipal law environment. Reporting to the City Attorney or a Senior Assistant City Attorney, you will contribute to impactful legal work that supports City operations, advances public policy, and serves the community.
This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional who thrives in a collaborative public sector setting and is committed to excellence, integrity, and service. If you are ready to apply your paralegal expertise to meaningful work that makes a difference, we invite you to explore this rewarding opportunity and review the full job description here.
The Essentials
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for the Paralegal position, applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria. Please note: The required written declaration from a supervising attorney[1] verifying your qualifications is not required at the time of your initial application submission. If you are selected to progress to the reference check stage of the recruitment process, you will be contacted with instructions on how to provide this documentation.
1. A paralegal certificate from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program plus at least one (1) year of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The law-related experience must be verified by a written declaration from the supervising attorney confirming the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
2. A paralegal certificate or degree from a nationally or regionally accredited, or Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education-approved post-secondary institution that requires successful completion of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law related courses plus at least one (1) year of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The law-related experience must be verified by a written declaration from the supervising attorney confirming the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
3. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus at least one (1) year of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The law-related experience must be verified by a written declaration from the supervising attorney confirming the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
4. An associate’s degree from a community college plus at least two (2) consecutive years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The law-related experience must be verified by a written declaration from the supervising attorney confirming the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
5. A high school diploma or GED, plus at least three (3) consecutive years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The law-related experience must be verified by a written declaration from the supervising attorney confirming the applicant is qualified to preform paralegal tasks. The law-related experience also must have been completed withing the four (4) years immediately prior to applying for the Paralegal position.
[1] The supervising and declaring attorney must be an active member of the California bar in good standing for at least the past three (3) years or must have practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the past three (3) years.
Highly Desirable Qualification(s):
- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and technology tools relevant to legal practice.
Application Materials
Please submit a resume as part of your online application.
As noted above, the written declaration from a supervising attorney verifying your qualifications is not required at the time of your initial application submission. If you are selected to progress to the reference check stage of the recruitment process, you will be contacted with instructions on how to provide this documentation.
Are We a Match?
What You’ll Do
- Serve as a vital liaison between the City Attorney’s Office and various City departments, facilitating the accurate and timely flow of information.
- Conduct fact investigations and perform foundational legal research to support casework.
- Draft and prepare legal correspondence, including notices, contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and discovery requests and responses.
- Monitor and maintain tracking systems for subpoenas, legal claims, and lawsuits, ensuring strict adherence to relevant deadlines
- Coordinate and process requests under the California Public Records Act.
- Provide informed guidance to City Staff and members of the public regarding the City’s legal processes and procedures.
- Manage and maintain confidential legal files and records.
Work Schedule
This position is primarily onsite and requires in-office attendance five days per week for the first six months. Following six months of employment and a demonstrated record of exceptional performance, the Paralegal may be considered for a hybrid schedule, which includes the option to work remotely one day per week.
Are we a Match? – Key Qualities
We’re looking for a candidate who brings strong technical skills, professionalism, and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Proficiency with computers and the ability to quickly learn new technologies and software platforms
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Outlook; experience with virtual meeting platforms; and familiarity with online legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis
- A strong understanding of legal ethics and a consistent commitment to maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of legal work
- Solid knowledge of legal terminology, with a demonstrated ability to proofread, format, and produce high-quality legal documents and correspondence
- Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
- Confidence in conducting basic legal research and fact-finding investigations
- A genuine interest in applying your paralegal expertise in service to the public within a fast-paced, high-performing City Attorney’s Office
Apply Now
Apply Now
Submit your application and resume online at GovernmentJobs.com or to the Human Resources Department; City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, (650) 903-6309. Please provide a valid email address on your application. This recruitment will be open continuously with a first review date of 5:00 PM PST on Thursday, September 11th. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Fine Print
Fine Print. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Prior to hire, candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including employment verification and Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint check. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.
Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
