Harris County
Paralegal - Defensive Litigation Division
Harris County, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Overview
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is hiring a Paralegal to join the Defensive Litigation Division which represents the county, its elected officials, and 18,000 employees in state and federal litigation. The division defends suits ranging from state tort actions to federal civil rights suits, and other cases. The Paralegal performs delegated and supervised substantive legal work requiring an understanding of legal principles and procedures. The Paralegal is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial and appeal, and will act as a liaison between the courts, clerks, attorneys, and the public as needed. 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. Equal Opportunity Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accommodations If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. Requirements Supporting Job Application Documents Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references. Education and Experience An Associate’s 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 of 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. Notes 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. Preferences Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated litigation experience. 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 position with typical work hours of Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the department’s needs. Work Environment and Physical Demands This position is based in an office environment with standard equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets. Physical demands are minimal, with occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; role is predominantly sedentary. Compensation The base compensation will be determined by qualifications and market standards. Total compensation includes paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans. The position is eligible for accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County policies. Other Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Positions may close prior to the advertised closing date at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is hiring a Paralegal to join the Defensive Litigation Division which represents the county, its elected officials, and 18,000 employees in state and federal litigation. The division defends suits ranging from state tort actions to federal civil rights suits, and other cases. The Paralegal performs delegated and supervised substantive legal work requiring an understanding of legal principles and procedures. The Paralegal is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial and appeal, and will act as a liaison between the courts, clerks, attorneys, and the public as needed. 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. Equal Opportunity Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accommodations If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. Requirements Supporting Job Application Documents Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references. Education and Experience An Associate’s 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 of 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. Notes 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. Preferences Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated litigation experience. 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 position with typical work hours of Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the department’s needs. Work Environment and Physical Demands This position is based in an office environment with standard equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets. Physical demands are minimal, with occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; role is predominantly sedentary. Compensation The base compensation will be determined by qualifications and market standards. Total compensation includes paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans. The position is eligible for accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County policies. Other Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Positions may close prior to the advertised closing date at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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