Paralegal

Overview:

The Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) is a statewide public retirement system established in 1948 to provide retirement, disability and death benefits to employees and retirees of participating Texas cities. TMRS manages $42 billion in assets for 941 Texas cities. TMRS provides competitive compensation, a pension plan, medical, dental and vision insurance provided at no cost for employees, flexible scheduling, twelve paid holidays, a modern and centrally located office, a generous leave program, and remote work opportunities.

Job Summary:

Performs legal and administrative support work as part of the Legal department. The position  reports to the Chief Legal Officer and supports two other attorneys. 

This posting is for a single position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.  Competitive minimum salary of $60,000 and higher possible commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Benefits Legal Support

• Research and prepare documents concerning TMRS member benefits, including estates; powers of attorney; divorce; child support; writs of garnishment; and subpoenas.
• Review domestic relations orders, divorce decrees, and other court orders.
• Use TMRS systems to research member and participating city information.
• Communicate with Members, cities, and others; explain TMRS rules and procedures regarding benefits; provide appropriate information regarding member or retiree accounts.
• Log staff requests for legal work.

General Legal Research, Assistance, and Support

• Review legal documents to determine compliance with applicable statutes and administrative rules.
• Assist with open records requests.
• Assist with development and publication of TMRS’ administrative rules.
• Track relevant legislation during Texas legislative sessions.
• Draft, proofread, and edit correspondence and other written materials.
• Assist attorneys with preparing for administrative appeals and hearings; research member files and records, statutes, articles, administrative rulings, and other related information; and preparing drafts of pre-hearing correspondence, motions, and other legal documents.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualities We Are Looking For:

• Purpose-driven mindset. You have a dedication to public service. The work we do matters in the lives of our Members.
• Intellectual curiosity and determination. You are curious and can get up to speed on complex laws and topics quickly.
• Team Orientation. You value working as a team and pride yourself on integrity, a strong work ethic, collegiality, kindness, and the ability to work with a wide variety of people.
• Effective communication. You know how to listen, how to question, and have a proven ability to get your point across clearly and concisely.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• High School diploma or equivalent and additional full-time legal secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, or related experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis. 
• Completion of an accredited legal assistant or paralegal program is preferred but not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience as a legal assistant or paralegal.
• Experience administering benefits in a defined benefit plan.
• Experience reviewing or administering employee benefits, or experience reviewing and processing QDROs, levies, other court orders, or complex payments.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 of force. Ability to successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.