Paralegal

The Paralegal provides support and assistance to the attorneys in all facets of the Legal Department operations including litigation support, legal file maintenance, organizational structure, client contact, scheduling and special projects. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of client representation. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

• Provides complex litigation support in state and federal courts and arbitration matters.
• Assists in responding to discovery, scheduling, arranging for depositions, ordering records, preparing, reviewing, analyzing, filing and organizing documents in connection with litigation matters.
• Performs state and federal law research, locates case law, statutory authority, administrative regulations and other pertinent legal resources.
• Drafts pleadings, memos, correspondence and other materials for review and finalization by assigned attorney.
• Tracks and maintains deadline calendar to monitor and ensure compliance with court, statutory and other deadlines.
• Coordinates and maintains the schedule for assigned attorneys.
• Participates in all aspects of trial preparation, including creating and maintaining trial notebooks, updating discovery, witness scheduling and preparation, and filing of relevant pleadings. Attends and assists at trial.
• Responsible for handling case intake and client contact.
• Assists in compilation of responses to requests under the Texas Public Information Act. 
• Works with other Departmental Members to achieve Annual and Quarterly Goals and Objectives for the Legal Department.
• Organizes and maintains all filing for matters handled by attorneys of the Legal Department.
• Works with Legal Department personnel on assigned tasks including clerical support.
• Participates in special projects as assigned both within the department and throughout the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

Minimum five (5) years’ experience as a paralegal to include litigation support, legal research, and writing. Labor and employment experience preferred

Successful completion of Paralegal Certificate Program required. Working knowledge of law libraries and Westlaw for research.  Strong organization, writing and effective communication skills.  Must have extensive knowledge of state and federal rules of civil procedures and e-filling. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required.  Knowledge of practice procedures of various federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), state Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and related governmental agencies is preferred. 

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.
 

Grade 10