Sr Paralegal

About the role

The Senior Paralegal will assist the General Counsel, Legal Department attorneys, and as authorized, DART outside counsel in providing legal services to the DART Legal Department.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Public Information, Open Records and Open Government functions of the Agency and Legal Department, by receiving, processing and responding to open records requests.
• Assists in litigation by drafting legal documents for attorney review and approval; calendars deadlines including discovery, hearings and trial dates using the Legal department case management system; keeps attorneys informed of case deadlines and hearing dates; assists with and helps oversee discovery production; assists in preparation of trial or hearing materials.
• Performs legal research and writing; files documents with courts or other governmental entities; locates and interviews witnesses as necessary; schedules depositions.
• Receives electronic filings, summarizes deposition testimony and monitors case litigation process.
• Acts as a liaison between and a resource to various DART departments and external contacts regarding lawsuits, administrative hearings, and other litigation related cases.
• Reviews calendars and monitors legal matter deadlines using the Legal department case management system; maintains case files, including but not limited to indexes and organization of case file materials; assists with and helps oversee document collection.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university, including but not limited to Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or Paralegal Certification from a program of paralegal studies as approved by the General Counsel.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible paralegal experience including legal assistant experience with an emphasis in two (2) or more areas of litigation or transactional matters.
• Valid Texas Class C driver's license, no Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction within the last (60) consecutive months, not more than (1) DWI on driving record, and not more than (3) convictions of moving violations within the last (36) consecutive months on driving record in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
• Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
• Proficiency of PC software applications to include Microsoft Office or other related software applications.
• Type 45 wpm; Proficient in using PC and software applications, such as Excel, MS Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil Procedures, Texas State Court system, and administrative proceedings.

Skills

• Finds solutions to complex legal, professional, technical and administrative problems using a variety of informational sources exercising creativity, and professional and technical principles.
• High level of proficiency conducting electronic and manual legal research techniques (systems, materials, and equipment to be used), and in performing complex professional, technical, and administrative work.
• Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external clients.
• Ability to use his/her time effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a professional obligation to division, department, and DART in handling materials and information of a confidential nature.
• Ability to pick up on technical things quickly.
• Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment).
• Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all.

Working Conditions

Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Pay

Pay Range: $58,832.00 - $97,073.00