Sr Paralegal

Dallas Area Rapid Transit; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas Area Rapid Transit seeks a Senior Paralegal to support the General Counsel and Legal Department in providing services to DART. The role focuses on open records, litigation support, and coordinating with internal departments and outside counsel.

A high level of proficiency with MS Office, strong typing, and knowledge of civil procedure are essential. You will draft documents, manage deadlines, conduct research, and maintain case files in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Associates degree from an accredited college; Paralegal Certification accepted.
• Eight (8)+ years of progressively responsible paralegal experience with litigation or transactional focus.
• Texas Class C driver license; clean driving record within specified limits.
• Pass a physical examination including a drug screen.
• Proficiency with PC software including Microsoft Office.
• Typing 45 wpm and strong document management.
• Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and state court systems.
• Ability to conduct legal research and written communication with professional discretion.

Responsibilities

• Assist the General Counsel and Legal Department; coordinate with outside counsel.
• Draft legal documents for attorney review; manage calendars and deadlines; assist with discovery and trial materials.
• Perform legal research and file documents with courts; locate witnesses; schedule depositions.
• Act as liaison between DART departments and external contacts on litigation matters.
• Maintain case files and documents; oversee collection and organization of materials.

Skills

Legal research

MS Office

Typing 45 wpm

PC proficiency

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Associates degree

Paralegal Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

MS Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

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

Supervisory Organization: Deputy General Counsel

Country: United States of America

Address: 1401 PACIFIC AVE

City: DALLAS, TX 75202

FLSA: Non - Exempt

Professionals: 05 - Para-Professional (EEO-4-United States of America), 5A - Paraprofessionals (EEO-SubCategory)

General Summary: 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

• Associates 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 drivers 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.
• 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. Gets first‑hand client information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with professional courtesy. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with others and gains their trust and respect.
• Ability to use his/her time effectively and efficiently. Values time. Concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities. Can attend to a broader range of activities.
• Ability to be action oriented and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging. Not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning. Seizes more opportunities than others.
• Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect. 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. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
• Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.

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.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

Open until qualified applicants are identified.