Legal Assistant II or III

Agency Information

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is a security-sensitive agency. Applicants are subject to an in-depth background investigation including criminal history, employment history and references, military, education, and personal references. Employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required.

TCOLE Mission

The mission of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, as a regulatory State agency, is to establish and enforce standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.

TCOLE Legal Mission Statement

To provide excellence in legal representation supporting TCOLE policy objectives and operations. We are committed to delivering counsel and litigation efforts that adhere to applicable laws and the highest ethical standards. Our Legal Team TCOLE's legal team provides comprehensive legal services to support the agency's regulatory mission. The team handles complex litigation, administrative hearings, rulemaking, policy development, and strategic legal counsel. Our legal team works closely with the Office of the Attorney General, State Office of Administrative Hearings, and various stakeholders to ensure compliance with state laws and protect the public interest through effective legal representation and enforcement.

Who We're Looking For

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is seeking a Legal Assistant II or III to join the legal team located at 6330 E HWY 290, Suite 200, Austin, TX. Work involves researching, analyzing, investigating, and drafting legal documents, and assisting attorneys with case management.

Essential Job Duties

• Drafts and prepares pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, legal correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, opinions, articles, treaties, property titles, and rules and regulations.
• Organizes the service of subpoenas, service of notices of deposition, and the preparation of other legal documents.
• Assembles and prepares evidence, exhibits, affidavits, and documents for use in legal proceedings.
• Checks citations, quotations, footnotes, and references for accuracy.
• Sums up laws, rules, and regulations.
• Schedules, attends, and prepares attorneys for hearings, trials, meetings, interviews, appellate arguments, depositions, and docket calls.
• Schedules and prioritizes attorney caseloads, organizes case files, attends initial interviews and depositions, conducts investigations, and prepares chronologies, fact summaries, and witness files.
• Reviews and performs redacting of confidential documents for filing with various courts.
• Mets with clients and others to discuss details of cases.
• Aids in drafting cost analyses and bill summaries for proposed legislation, and tracks and analyzes relevant legislation.
• Aids in responding to public information requests.
• May prepare synopses, abstracts, or summaries of complex legal issues.
• May draft and respond to correspondence and opinion requests involving legal interpretations and decisions.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in legal assistance work required.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent required.
• Five (5) years of experience in legal assistance work is preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in law or a related field is preferred.
• Certification as a legal assistant or paralegal is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology; state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; research methods and techniques; administrative and court procedures; the legislative process; and public notice requirements.
• Skills in understanding and processing information, in the use of office equipment, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to conduct research; to draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents; to evaluate and relate findings to cases in question; to conduct investigations; and to communicate effectively.

Benefits

Working for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) empowers you to make an impact on public safety while engaging in continuous learning within a supportive environment. You'll play a crucial role in upholding high law enforcement standards, collaborating with local agencies, and enhancing the well-being of Texans. As a Texas State employee, you will have access to our comprehensive benefit programs including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with several types of coverage to state employees and their eligible family members
• At least 12 - 16 days of annual paid holidays
• At least eight hours of paid vacation and up to eight hours of paid sick leave each month for full-time employees
• Retirement options with the State of Texas Retirement that provide flexibility and security
• Health and Wellness programs including wellness leave, fitness and weight management programs, and personalized wellness tools
• TCOLE is a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• The Discount Purchase Program provides access to an online marketplace offering discount on a wide range of products and services
• For new hires and rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer - TCOLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. ADA - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TCOLE will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the Human Resources Department at 512-936-0831. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES can be found at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

Veteran's Preference

If you choose to claim veteran's employment preference including surviving spouse or orphan of a veteran as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach a DD214 at the time your application is submitted.