Public Information Legal Assistant #0812-26

General Description

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) legal assistant work for the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsels, and Open Records Attorneys. Work involves assisting the Open Records Attorneys and other General Counsel Open Records staff by processing public information requests, gathering responsive documents, performing redactions, drafting correspondence, making determinations of confidentiality, and assisting in requesting Attorney General determinations. The Public Information Legal Assistant works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the General Counsel.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives, conducts intake, and processes requests for public information, ensuring that responsive documents are gathered and public information requests are timely and appropriately processed in accordance with agency and section procedures.
• Assists in tracking timelines for responding to public information requests in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
• Assists in preparing and drafting summaries to be filed with the Office of the Attorney General related to public information requests.
• Coordinates, assembles and prepares responses to public information requests, including cover sheets for responsive documents.
• Drafts correspondence to requestors for information under the Texas Public Information Act, and the Office of the Attorney General under the guidance of the Open Records Attorneys and Senior Legal Assistant.
• Responds to requests as needed.
• Drafts and tracks public information cost estimates, as needed.
• Participates in the development and delivery of training to staff, advisory boards and other stakeholders regarding compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
• Provides written and verbal interpretation of rules, statutes, policies and procedures to constituents, local municipalities, associations and federal and state agencies.
• Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes, case law and Texas Attorney General opinions, privacy issues, and expunction court records.
• Coordinates, evaluates and maintains recordkeeping system for public information requests and associated files and documents.
• Assists with the preparation of special reports and implementation of special projects, ensuring reports and projects are accurate and completed within guidelines and time frames as needed.