Paralegal - Holistic Division
Harris County
Houston, TX
Description
Position Description
The Holistic Division of the Harris County Public Defender's Office (PDO) seeks a dedicated and detail-oriented paralegal to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide support to civil attorneys who represent PDO clients in matters such as record-sealing, administrative license revocation (ALR), parole revocation, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), civil protective orders, and asset forfeiture. Our division values candidates who have respect for the clients we serve, are self-starters, have worked in the the criminal justice system and/or a legal aid provider, are responsible and accountable, and communicate professionally to people inside and outside of our office.
A Holistic Division Paralegal is responsible for handling all aspects of their assigned cases including but not limited to the following:
- Create and file of all motions, orders, discovery, and other documents necessary in civil cases.
- Calendar scheduling orders and/or docket control orders.
- Draft pleadings, discovery, legal forms, and correspondence.
- E-File case documents through the e-file system in Harris County and through other filing systems for civil legal cases.
- Obtain necessary authorizations from clients and potential clients.
- Act as liaison between courts, clerks, clients, and attorneys.
- Fill in for other paralegals or administrative staff when needed due to workload, vacation, or illness.
- Assist administrative assistants with answering phones, filing, copying or any other task necessary to the daily operation of the division
- Confer with and keep assigned attorney fully informed as to the status of pending and ongoing cases.
- Conduct legal research when requested and assist their assigned attorneys with all aspects of trial preparation.
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
Education and Experience:
- An Associates degree or higher in Paralegal Studies from an accredited college or university
OR
- Paralegal certificate
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in legal support services/legal studies from an accredited college or university
At least five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 suite.
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.
Preferences
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-time
- Monday Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Salary:
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 pay periods
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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com