This is advanced work in legal research for the Metro-Dade Police Department.

Employees in this class are responsible for conducting legal research related to MDPD business and formulating responses addressing all legal issues pertaining to legal questions. Duties require analysis of assignments, identification of legal issues, conducting extensive legal research into statutes and laws, case law and other sources, and formulating proposed final responses. Incumbents apply significant knowledges of legal research techniques and procedures in the analysis and development of information required for responses to legal issues facing the department. Supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews work for effectiveness of legal research and related activities.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Receives legal research assignments pertaining to legal questions related to departmental business.

Clarifies and analyzes legal assignments, and identifies each legal issue present in the legal question.

Conducts legal research by researching pertinent statutes and laws, case law and other authorities relevant to each legal issue, using the departmental library, university or governmental law library, or other sources.

Utilizing laws, cases, and other supporting authorities, develops tentative responses to each legal issue involved in the original assignment.

Consults with immediate supervisor regarding progress of assignments and necessary direction required to complete project.

Formulates proposed final responses addressing all legal issues; drafts legal memoranda, articles, and other documents.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of legal research techniques, methods, and practices.

Considerable knowledge of general legal principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of the sources and availability of legal information pertinent to departmental legal questions.

Considerable knowledge of the structure and content of legal documents and forms used in the area of assignment.

Considerable knowledge of legal terminology.

Considerable knowledge of departmental organization and operations.

Ability to conduct legal research into complex legal questions affecting the Metro-Dade Police Department.

Ability to analyze legal research assignments and determine each legal issue present in the assignment.

Ability to apply knowledge obtained in legal research to the formulation of proposed final legal responses.

Ability to prepare legal articles, documents and memoranda.

Ability to communicate clearly and precisely, verbally and in writing.

NEW 10-93