A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
Performs routine (entry-level) legal assistant work. Work involves researching, analyzing, investigating, and drafting legal documents and assisting attorneys with case management. Works under moderate supervision, with limited minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Drafts and prepares pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, legal correspondence, and other legal documents. Coordinates the service of subpoenas, service of notices of deposition, and preparation of other legal documents. Checks citations, quotations, footnotes, and references for accuracy. Files pleadings with courts. Schedules, attends, and prepares attorneys for hearings, trials, meetings, interviews, appellate arguments, depositions, and docket calls. Assists in scheduling and prioritizing attorney caseloads; organizing case files; attending initial interviews and depositions; conducting investigations; and preparing chronologies, fact summaries, and witness files. Assists in scheduling and drafting interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions, and requests for information. Assists in coordinating, assembling, and preparing evidence, exhibits, affidavits, and documents for use in legal proceedings. Assists in researching and preparing legislative histories. May meet with clients and others to discuss details of cases. Performs related work as assigned. Graduation from high school or equivalent. Experience in legal assistance work preferred.
Certificates, Licenses and Registration:
May require certification as a legal assistant. Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier. Knowledge of legal terminology; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; of research methods and techniques; of administrative and court procedures; of the legislative process; and of public notice requirements. Skill in understanding and processing information, in the use of office equipment, and in the use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to conduct research; to draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents; to evaluate and relate findings to cases in question; to conduct investigations; and to communicate effectively.
