Paralegal - Compliance & Revenue Division (Toll Road)

Position Description

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a paralegal to join the Toll Road section of the Compliance & Revenue Division which specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interest of Harris County. Under the supervision of the Division Director, the individual 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.

The selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages a high-volume caseload.

• Manages a high call-volume with the public.

• Maintains knowledge of the procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.

• Drafts, files, and/or mails demand letters, installment, and rule 11 agreements, pleadings, discovery, and motions.

• Drafts abstract judgments and sends Writs of Execution to Constables for service.

• Manually maintains and updates case files as needed.

• Calendars hearings, docket control orders, and case management in cases for trials.

• Attends administrative hearings, court hearings, mediations, and trials.

• Formats and drafts legal forms.

• 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.

• 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 emailADACoordinator@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 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, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, PowerPoint, JIMS, TLO, and DEEDS.

• Knowledge of the Texas Transportation Code, Texas Estates 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.

• 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 butONLY 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, Typical Work Schedule, and Working Environment:

• 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.

• Hours may very based on the business needs of the HCAO.

• 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.

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.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• 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.