Paralegal - Defensive Litigation Division

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Attorney's Office is looking for a Paralegal to support its Defensive Litigation Division. This full-time role involves managing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and ensuring a smooth workflow for case preparations. Candidates should have a relevant educational background and skills in research, writing, and legal tools, with the opportunity for flexible teleworking arrangements.

Benefits

Compensatory time for overtime hours

Eligibility for telework program

Health benefits and retirement plans

Paid leave programs

Qualifications

• Excellent research and writing skills required.
• Proficiency with legal tools is essential.
• Knowledge of Texas and federal electronic filing systems.

Responsibilities

• Manages a high-volume caseload and prepares legal documents.
• Gathers and organizes discovery materials.
• Attends hearings and trials as required.

Skills

Research

Writing

Interpersonal Communication

Organization

Education

Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal certificate or diploma

Minimum of five years experience

Tools

Westlaw

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe

CACI case management software

Job description

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is hiring a Paralegal to join our Defensive Litigation Division which represents the nation's third largest county, its elected officials, and 18,000 employees in state and federal litigation. The Defensive Litigation Division defends suits ranging from state tort actions to federal civil rights suits, and other unique and imaginative cases. The Paralegal will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures. The Paralegal in this role is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial and appeal, and will act as the liaison between the courts, clerks, attorneys, and the public as needed.

In addition to the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, the selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program, which currently allows employees to work from home a few days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages a high-volume caseload.
• Drafts, proofs, files, and/or mails legal documents such as affidavits, motions, responses, answers, subpoenas, and pleadings.
• Prepares for motions, trial, and appeal by compiling motion and trial notebooks, assembling jury instructions, and compiling exhibit lists.
• Gathers, organizes, redacts, and produces discovery.
• Maintains and updates electronic case files in CACI case management software.
• Calendars hearings, docket control orders, and deadlines for cases.
• Attends hearings and trials.
• Conducts research assignments.
• Communicates and acts as a liaison between the courts, clerks, attorneys, and the public as needed.
• Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
• Responds promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
• Participates in one-on-one sessions with the supervisor and/or manager to give and receive feedback.
• Participates in Division staff meetings.
• Assist attorneys and other paralegals as needed and is flexible with unanticipated deadlines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

• This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail] .

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references.

Education and Experience:

• An Associate’s Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely related field

OR

• Paralegal certificate or diploma

OR

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
• Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Westlaw, and Adobe.
• Knowledge of Texas and federal electronic filing systems such as Texas e-file and federal ECF/Pacer to file and retrieve court documents.
• Experience conducting discovery.
• Knowledge rules of civil procedure and evidence.
• Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
• Ability to comply with office training requirements.
• Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated litigation experience.

Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorney’s Office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network in all civil matters, including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position with the typical work hours of Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.

• Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine.

• The physical demands associated with this job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The role is predominantly sedentary, involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.

Compensation:

• The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.
• In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.