Paralegal

Full Job Description

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: PARALEGAL
Division: MUNICIPAL PROSECUTION
Reporting Location: 1400 LUBBOCK
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change

LEGAL DEPARTMENT
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles:

Quality & Service – Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.Partnership & Teamwork – Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.Integrity & Candor – Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.Dignity & Diversity – Promoting each person’s value.Innovation & Imagination – Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.Composed of approximately 100 of Houston’s finest attorneys working in 10 legal practice sections, the OCA handles personal injury, commercial and civil rights litigation, major commercial and real estate transactions, and a diverse array of human resources, labor and employment matters, while also counseling the municipal corporation on economic development, constitutional, election matters, ethics and quality of life matters, and preparing City ordinances governing Houston and its citizens.

Every member of the OCA must be committed to “Service Through Law.”ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSThe City of Houston Legal Department seeks a skilled, energetic, team-oriented Paralegal who is self-motivated and excited to be a part of the Municipal Prosecution team.

The core functions and duties of the Paralegal include, but are not limited to:Assisting with processing and responding to discovery requests.Assisting with maintaining and recording discovery files.Assisting in setting and resetting cases.Performing legal research on a wide variety of matters related to criminal law and procedure.

Assisting attorneys in drafting various documents such as ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders including formatting, reviewing, and verifying documents for accuracy.Assisting attorneys in preparing and organizing evidence.Recordkeeping and preparing reports.Working in Word, Outlook, Excel and other software programs.Other administrative duties as assigned.WORKING CONDITIONSThis position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Requirements EDUCATION:Requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate and a certificate in paralegal or legal assistant studies.

An Associate degree may be substituted for the above certification requirement. Above average academic performance is preferred.

Requires basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.EXPERIENCE:No experience is required.

Qualifications Preferences shall also be given to those with the following:At least one (1) year of paralegal experience

Valid Driver's License and compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).

Basic knowledge of Texas criminal laws and procedures is preferred

Excellent research and writing skills

Excellent analytical skills

Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency with Word, Outlook, and Excel

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Additional Information

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION:
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 12

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6214.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6214.
If you need login assistance or technical support call (855) 524-5627.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employment
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.