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- Position Description
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Temporary Paralegal to join the Property Tax Division which specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interest of Harris County. The paralegal in this role will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work, including, but not limited to, the job duties listed below, and ensures the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manages a high-volume caseload.
- Manages a high call volume with the public.
- Provide litigation support to the department and attorneys in the collaborative efforts to move cases forward.
- Maintains knowledge of the procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.
- Manually maintains and updates case files as needed.
- Drafts and/or mails demand letters and installment agreements.
- Formats and drafts legal forms such as petitions, citations, judgments, notices of trial, etc.
- Generate dismissals, non-suits, and releases of judgment when required.
- Track the litigation costs and send court costs letters when necessary.
- Responsible for assigned district courts.
- Reviewing and proofing ‘citation returns.’
- Skip tracing (locating individual and their location).
- Drafts abstract judgments and sends Writs of Execution to Constables for service.
- Calendars hearings, docket control orders, and case management in cases for trials.
- Attends court hearings, mediations, trials, and tax-sales.
- Communicates regularly with attorneys and other staff members.
- Communicates with the public and defendants, including the ability to resolve issues within attorneys' parameters.
- Acts as a liaison between courts, clerks, and attorneys as needed.
- Meet daily and weekly deadlines related to the many aspects of the litigation process, including the collection of amounts owed on cases.
- Pick up documents and evidence from tax office and other locations.
- Participates in one-on-one sessions with management to give and receive feedback.
- Encourages and mentors other paralegals and interns.
- Participates in Division staff meetings.
- Performs other 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
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
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 Requirements:
An Associate Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely similar field
OR
Paralegal certificate
OR
A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
- Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with the Texas Tax Code, Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
- Familiarity with commonly used legal terms.
- Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
- Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
- Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
- Ability to comply with office training requirements.
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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
- General Information
Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorney’s 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 temporary position that's slated to last approximately two (2) to three (3) months with the potential to convert into a permanent position after that period.
Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
This position primarily operates in a professional office environment. The individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.
This is largely a sedentary role that requires standing or sitting for prolonged periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body, repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision- making, organization, the ability to read/write, and the ability to manage workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.
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.
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