Temporary- Paralegal

Basic Function

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.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• This is a temporary PSA job assignment not to exceed six (6) months in duration or $25,000 in total hourly wages during the six (6) month period.
• 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.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS methods and principles in their daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Range : $29.23 - $38.32

Education Requirement

High school diploma or GED required. High School Diploma or GED is required. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Years & Experience Required

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

Knowledge & Skills Required

Successful completion of Paralegal certificate required. Working knowledge of law libraries and Westlaw for research. Strong writing skills and effective communication skills. Must have extensive knowledge of state and federal rules of civil procedures knowledge of procedures of various federal, state and related governmental agencies. Working knowledge of e-discovery rules; electronic-filing in both State and Federal Courts and email e-discovery software.

Additional Information

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.

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