FOIA Paralegal
Location: Alexandria, VA
Job Number: 2024-00432
Salary: $53,121.64 - $69,557.80
Closing Date: May 31, 2024
The Opportunity
- Uses FOIA database to monitor status and completion of VFOIA requests.
- Designs, develops and generates reports from the FOIA database.
- Assists FOIA Officer in developing performance measures and tracking data to report on those measures.
- Responds to questions regarding VFOIA and researches complex inquiries, coordinating with the FOIA Officer to confirm that information complies with City policies as well as VFOIA.
- Confers with the responsible department to ensure that they are aware of the VFOIA request and understand that timeframe for completion.
- Follows up as deadlines approach to verify that responses are provided in accordance with VFOIA.
- Supports the FOIA Officer in the development and delivery of training to City staff as necessary to ensure that all employees who have VFOIA responsibilities have a thorough understanding of the law and its requirements; the City procedures for tracking, billing and responding to VFOIA requests; and how to use the FOIA database.
- Composes correspondence for the FOIA Officer’s review and signature.
- Deposit checks with finance if office receives checks from attorney offices, code violators, and real estate taxpayers.
- Creates case files, maintains and organizes files, updates and keeps records relating to pending proceedings up to date.
- Resolve inconsistencies between The City Attorney’s Office and the Courts of Alexandria such as incorrect court actions and court schedules.
- Performs related work as required.
About the Department
The City Attorney's Office provides legal advice to City Council, Boards and Commissions, the City Manager and City Departments. We are responsible for drafting ordinances, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal papers. We represent the City in civil court to defend the City in actions taken against it and to initiate cases to enforce the City's laws and actions. Our office is also responsible for handling requests for public records, in compliance with FOIA and for serving as an adjudicator for parking ticket disputes.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Education: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent and completion of a paralegal program recognized by the American Bar Association.
Experience: One year of experience as a paralegal or legal secretary. Additional experience as a paralegal may substitute for the completion of a paralegal program.
Preferred Qualifications
Paralegal degree or two or more years of experience working in a legal office and/or experience coordinating and tracking records, specifically Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Demonstrated ability working with an automated system to track records or FOIA requests; generating reports from the system; and analyzing the data. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
