Basic Function

Provides support and assistance to the attorneys in all facets of the Legal Department operations including litigation support, legal file maintenance, organizational structure, client contact, scheduling and special projects. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of client representation. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides complex litigation support in state and federal courts and arbitration matters.
• Assists in responding to discovery, scheduling, arranging for depositions, ordering records, preparing, reviewing, analyzing, filing and organizing documents in connection with litigation matters.
• Assists with drafting and coordinating the preparation of Board materials including the Board Minutes, Scripts, Resolutions, Motions, Official Transcripts and related documents.
• Assists with Drafting, Reviews and modifications to board related documents on behalf of the Legal Department.
  Performs state and federal law research, locates case law, statutory authority, administrative regulations and other pertinent legal resources.
• Drafts pleadings, memos, correspondence and other legal instruments or materials for review and finalization by assigned attorney.
• Tracks and maintains deadline calendar to monitor and ensure compliance with court, statutory and other critical deadlines.
• Coordinates and maintains the case list or trial docket for assigned attorneys.
• Participates in all aspects of trial preparation, including creating and maintaining trial notebooks, updating discovery, witness scheduling and preparation, and filing of relevant pleadings.
• Attends and assists at trial and board meetings.
• Responsible for handling case intake and client contact.
• Assists in compilation of responses to requests under the Texas Public Information Act.
• Works with other Departmental Members to achieve Annual and Quarterly Goals and Objectives for the Legal Department.
• Organizes and maintains all filing for matters handled by attorneys of the Legal Department, including compliance with Records Management Policy and Local Government Records Act.
• Works with various department stakeholders to ensure timely handling and completion of complex legal activities.
• Leads special projects at the direction of attorneys.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
  Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Rate: $70,700 - $92,800

Education Requirement

High School Diploma or GED is required. Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum five (5) years' experience as a paralegal to include litigation support, legal research, and writing.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Successful completion of Paralegal certificate required. Proficient use of online databases for legal research such as Westlaw or LexisNexis. Strong writing skills and effective communication skills. Must have extensive knowledge of state and federal rules of civil procedures; knowledge of procedures of various federal, state and related governmental agencies. Working knowledge of e-discovery rules; electronic-filing in both State and Federal Courts and email e-discovery software. Bilingual preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.