Paralegal - Environmental Division
Harris CountyPosition Description
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is hiring a Paralegal to join our Environmental Division which specializes in administrative environmental law, state court enforcement of environmental laws and related county regulations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 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 will act as the 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, client departments 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.
- 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, resume, and three (3) professional references with their application.
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:
- Detail oriented and 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 the 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 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 Work Schedule:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary.
This job typically operates in a professional office environment, and the individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.
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.
The selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program.
Compensation:
The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s 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.