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19-53- Paralegal (Legal Assistant III)

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Job Description Summary
Performs highly complex (senior-level) legal assistant work. This position supports attorneys in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).  Assembles and routes contract packages commonly produced by TWDB attorneys, including contractual agreements between TWDB and recipients of financial assistance. Organizes, manages, and coordinates research requests conducted by TWDB attorneys. Schedules appointments and maintains calendars. May train others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports directly to the General Counsel of the Office of General Counsel.

Essential Job Functions
·        Prepares, assembles, organizes and coordinates contract packages, including exhibits, attachments, affidavits, and documents, for use in legal financial transactions.
·        Coordinates requests for information and documentation from outside financial assistance recipients.
·        Under attorney supervision, drafts various legal documents by (OGC) attorneys.
·        Under attorney supervision, drafts correspondence and opinion requests involving legal interpretations and decisions.
·        Assists the Public Information Act Coordinator in tracking and responding to information requests.
·        May assist in drafting cost analyses and bill summaries for proposed legislation, and track and analyzes relevant legislation.
·        Ensures attorney appointments and calendars are maintained.
·        Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
·        Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
·        Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
·        May be required to operate a State or Personal vehicle for business purposes.
·        Performs other related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
·        Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Law or related field.
·        Five years of experience in administrative or paralegal assistance in a law department or firm.
·        Experience and education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications
·        Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Law, Legal Secretarial Science, Paralegal Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
·        Six years of experience in administrative or paralegal assistance in a law department or firm.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
·        Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Texas Water Development Board; and of the principles and practices of public administration.
·        Knowledge of research methods and techniques; of administrative and court procedures; of the legislative process; public notice requirements; and of the principles and practices of public administration.
·        Knowledge of legal terminology, of state administrative law and federal rules and regulations pertaining to the TWDB.
·        Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
·        Skills in using Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, Access, and Adobe DocuSign.
·        Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
·        Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
·        Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
·        Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
·        Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output as requested.
·        Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
·        Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
·        Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
·        Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
·        Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment
·        Ability to manage multiple tasks.
·        Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
·        Ability and willingness to travel 10% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
·        Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
·        Ability to work days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends
·        Ability to conduct research.
·        Ability to draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents.
·        Ability to evaluate and relate findings to cases in question; to communicate effectively.
·        Ability to be reliable, resourceful and organized.