The Office of General Counsel is seeking a skilled and experienced paralegal to support our legal team using their work experience and organizational skills to prepare and maintain legal documents, file motions, legal briefs, interview clients and witnesses, and conduct legal research.
Essential Duties Summary:
Serves as point of contact for the Office of General Counsel and answers routine and complex questions concerning department activities and operations. Screens and directs telephone calls and visitors to appropriate person(s). Takes messages as necessary.
Assists with the coordination and tracking of pending assignments within Legal Management System, requests for information from internal and external contacts, and scheduling of appointments.
Assist in investigation, process outside counsel invoices for payments, assist attorneys with contract review, and pending litigation as needed.
Assist attorneys with open record requests.
Responsible for coordinating and arranging meetings, luncheons, seminars, conferences, and travel plans. Prepares travel and expense documentation, meeting agendas, marketing materials, and reserves rooms and facilities, makes arrangements for food services, prepares and distributes meeting minutes when required.
Perform legal research as needed.
Prepares outgoing mail, correspondence, and communication, including e-mail and faxes. Sorts and distributes incoming mail. Orders and maintains supplies and arranges for equipment maintenance and repair. Selects and recommends purchases of appropriate office supplies and equipment.
% FTE:
1.0
Hiring Range:
Commensurate with experience.
Education:
Some college or Associate Degree (A.A.) and/or vocational or technical school and/or specialized training or certification required. Completion of Legal Secretary, Paralegal Training or Bachelor's degree preferred.
Required Licensing/Certification:
One or more of the following preferred: Legal Secretary or Paralegal Certification and/or Microsoft Office Suite Certification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Federal, State, Local, and County laws
Policies, procedures, and practices
Specialized practices, equipment and procedures
Blackboard, WESTLAW, LEXIS/NEXIS and HEIN Online or similar.
Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications
Skill in:
Excellent both verbal and written communication
Project management, time, and organizational skills
Excellent customer service
Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making
Strong analytical skills
Coordinating work of others
Strong writing skills are a given, considering the need for them to create papers and articles on their research results that clearly and concisely convey their findings
Ability to:
Work with students in a learning environment
Work effectively and efficiently under pressure is essential
Use job related software such as, but not limited to, Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw and legal databases
Work independently
Communicate effectively
Work Experience:
Strong organizational skills be detail-oriented and to work independently and take assigned projects to completion preferred.
Must be familiar with legal terminology and legal citation references such as the Bluebook (current edition) and/or other job-related references preferred.
Working/Environmental Conditions:
Prolonged standing and/or walking.
Handling light weight objects.
Using or carrying equipment.
UA EEO Statement:
It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
