Paralegal II

Description of Duties/Essential Functions

• Handle and prepare responses to open records and subpoena requests
• Support employee disciplinary action processes by drafting letters and monitoring administrative appeals
• Aid the Harris County Attorney’s Office with discovery requests related to litigation
• Draft and prepare Grand Jury correspondence
• Conduct Legal Research
• Update and maintain various databases of the Legal Services Division
• Gather and analyze legal documents and records from various HCSO bureaus/divisions
• Assist with other legal requests as assigned by the supervisor to support the legal needs of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies OR Certificate of completion from a paralegal certification program
• Three years of paralegal experience
• Previous knowledge or ability to learn how to use Harris County Justice Information Management System (“JIMS”), HCSO mugshot database, EXCEL, ACCESS, GovQA, IAPro, Superion, SIRS, CAD, and LexisNexis or Westlaw is preferable
• Full understanding of all services provided by HCSO Legal Services and Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedures, TPIA, and Texas Government Code
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Proficient in the use of office equipment, including, but not limited to, computer terminal, copier, calculator, printer, and fax machine
• Exceptional language skills so that written and oral communications can be presented
• Highly organized and self-motivated
• Ability to train in all aspects of Legal Services and step in as needed
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Organize and prioritize requests and assignments
• Interact effectively with co-workers and the public
• Interact professionally with inmates
• Distinguish legal forms
• Draft exceptional letters
• Handle confidential information
• Work overtime and/or varying duty hours as deemed necessary, with an excellent attendance record

PREFERENCES

• Five years of paralegal experience with a background in handling and processing subpoenas, discovery requests, and open records requests.

General Information

• Work Environment: Formal office setting
• Physical Demands: Sedentary, but requires ability to lift and transport up to 10 pounds
• Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with potential variations based on business needs