| Location | Gastonia, NC |
| Salary | $59,384–$94,993.60 Per Year |
PARALEGAL
Salary
$59,384.00 - $94,993.60 Annually
Location
City Hall (181 South Street), Gastonia, NC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
01789
Department
Legal
Division
City Attorney
Opening Date
08/12/2026
Closing Date
9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA
Non-Exempt
General Definition of Work
Performs responsible professional work in assisting the City's attorneys with handling the legal affairs of the City; performs related administrative work as required.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney.
Essential Functions/Duties
Drafts a variety of legal documents, including ordinances, resolutions, pleadings, legal notices, advertisements, and draft contracts;
Prepares District Court Civil Actions to collect monies owed to City, to enforce Housing Code, Nuisance Code, and Zoning Code as directed, to conduct condemnation proceedings, and provides litigation assistance as needed;
Performs scheduling and maintains calendars, monitors and provides notification of deadlines, appointments and meetings;
Files or records pleadings, lis pendens, liens, ordinances, variances, and conditional zoning documents as required;
Performs real estate title searches and prepares title opinions, deeds, easements, closing documents and attends closings as supervised by City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney;
Routes requests to annex City real property and to un-dedicate streets, alleys and easements and then prepares appropriate agenda item for Council action, if any;
Assists City staff with questions regarding State statutes, City ordinances, city policies and code enforcement procedures;
Performs special research projects and prepares corresponding memoranda as required;
Assists the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerks as needed with receiving telephone calls and personal callers for the Executive Administration;
Maintains real estate files, title files, litigation files, and other records as instructed by attorney staff;
Processes Public Records Requests as needed; and
Performs related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of legal practices and procedures, including judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings; ability to perform all aspects of public records research to analyze, interpret and apply research performed and to formulate recommendations as required; working knowledge of municipal law and City organization, functions and procedures; comprehensive knowledge of legal terminology; ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations; ability to organize and perform tasks independently; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, the public and other members of the legal community; ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, comprehensive knowledge of North Carolina real estate law; ability to perform and organize work independently; ability to independently conduct title research and prepare summaries based thereon; and ability to prepare effective correspondence on routine matters and to perform routine office management details without referral to supervisor.
Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from a North Carolina Qualified Paralegal Studies Program by the North Carolina State Bar, with an Associate's degree in paralegal studies or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Moderate experience as a paralegal, municipal or local government environment preferred. Substantial experience in advanced level PC applications (Word, Excel, Power Point). Preference for experience with modern AI tools as well..
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Interactive office environment with exposure to computer screens; must be able to interact with other divisions and departments inside the City organization; as well as with outside clientele. Must have the ability to push, pull, or lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid driver's license.
Possession of Commission as a Notary Public in the State of North Carolina within 6 months.
Board of Paralegal Certification.
Drug screening and criminal background checks required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OUR MISSION: To provide fair, competent, responsive, and cost-effective services at the highest level.
The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.
The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/H
High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)
A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at City of Gastonia Employee Benefits Handbook
01
Do you have experience in real property law including title searches?
Required Question
Employer City of Gastonia
Address 181 South Street
Gastonia, North Carolina, 28052
Phone (704) 866-6859
(704) 866-6858
Website https://gastonianc.gov/