Paralegal - Defensive Litigation Division
Paralegal - Defensive Litigation Division
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USD 63252 - 95139
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Description
The Harris County Attorneys Office (HCAO) is hiring a Paralegal to join our Defensive Litigation Division which represents the nations third largest county its elected officials and 18000 employees in state and federal litigation. The Defensive Litigation Division defends suits ranging from state tort actions to federal civil rights suits and other unique and imaginative cases. The Paralegal will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures. The Paralegal in this role is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial and appeal and will act as the liaison between the courts clerks attorneys and the public as needed.
In addition to the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek the selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program which currently allows employees to work from home a few days per week.Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manages a high-volume caseload.
- Drafts proofs files and/or mails legal documents such as affidavits motions responses answers subpoenas and pleadings.
- Prepares for motions trial and appeal by compiling motion and trial notebooks assembling jury instructions and compiling exhibit lists.
- Gathers organizes redacts and produces discovery.
- Maintains and updates electronic case files in CACI case management software.
- Calendars hearings docket control orders and deadlines for cases.
- Attends hearings and trials.
- Conducts research assignments.
- Communicates and acts as a liaison between the courts clerks attorneys and the public as needed.
- Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
- Responds promptly to phone calls emails and other correspondence.
- Participates in one-on-one sessions with the supervisor and/or manager to give and receive feedback.
- Participates in Division staff meetings.
- Assist attorneys and other paralegals as needed and is flexible with unanticipated deadlines.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Duties:
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may at its discretion assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.Requirements
Supporting Job Application Documents:
Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references.
Education and Experience:
An Associates Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely related field
OR
Paralegal certificate or diploma
OR
A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
- Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Microsoft Office Suite Westlaw and Adobe.
- Knowledge of Texas and federal electronic filing systems such as Texas e-file and federal ECF/Pacer to file and retrieve court documents.
- Experience conducting discovery.
- Knowledge rules of civil procedure and evidence.
- Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
- Ability to problem solve organize and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
- Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
- Ability to comply with office training requirements.
- Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated litigation experience.
General Information
Located in downtown Houston the Harris County Attorneys Office represents Harris County government the Harris County Flood Control District the Harris County Toll Road Authority and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network in all civil matters including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position with the typical work hours of Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.
Occasional weekends holidays and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
This position is based in an office environment where the use of standard equipment such as computers phones scanners and filing cabinets is routine.
The physical demands associated with this job are minimal with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The role is predominantly sedentary involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.
Compensation:
- The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidates qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs health benefits and retirement plans.
- In addition the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Employment Type
Full-Time
