Paralegal

Job Description Summary The Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy seeks a skilled and experienced paralegal to support our legal team. The paralegal will use their work experience and organizational skills to prepare and maintain legal documents, file motions and legal briefs, interview clients and witnesses, and conduct legal research. This job focuses primarily on clearing title to heirship property through probate and non-probate means and assisting with estate planning. This is a Grant Funded position. Essential Duties Serves as point of contact for the assigned area and answers routine and complex questions concerning department activities and operations. Screens and directs telephone calls and visitors to appropriate person(s). Takes messages as necessary. Assists with the coordination and tracking of pending assignments, requests for information from internal and external contacts, and appointment scheduling. May independently troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to a diverse client base. Organizes, screens, and responds to requests for assistance from potential clients, as well as assists in investigation, case preparation, and litigation as needed. Provides diverse and complex administrative support to the ECI clinic staff by drafting, typing, editing, and proofing complex legal documents and correspondence-related service and administrative operations for both internal and external audiences in accordance with appropriate writing and citation standards. Responsible for coordinating and arranging meetings, meeting agendas, and marketing materials. Assists with research or is involved in research/legal activities such as locating and compiling internet information about heirs, drafting Affidavits of Heirship, and gathering and preparing documents for hearings, trials, and submissions to courts, administrative agencies, or fact-finders. Makes copies of/scan correspondence or other printed materials for filing into the case management system. Prepares outgoing mail, correspondence, and other communication, including e-mails and faxes. Logs incoming mail and saves it in the appropriate client file in the case management system. Education Some college or associate degree (A.A.) and/or vocational or technical school and/or specialized training or certification required or at least 2 years’ experience in a paralegal role. Required Licensing and Certification Completion of Legal Secretary, Paralegal Training, or bachelor’s degree preferred. One or more of the following is preferred: Legal Secretary or Paralegal Certification and/or Microsoft Office Suite Certification. Experience using case management systems. Experience using Legal Server preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Federal, State, Local, and County laws Policies, procedures, and practices Specialized practices, equipment and procedures Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications Skill in: Excellent verbal and written communication and strong writing skills. Project management, time, and organizational skills Excellent customer service. Coordinating work of others Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making. Strong analytical skills Ability to: Work with students in a learning environment Work effectively and efficiently under pressure Use job-related software such as, but not limited to, Blackboard, Lexis/Nexis, HEIN Online, Westlaw and legal databases. Work independently Work Experience At least one year of experience working on probate matters, clearing title to heirship property, and drafting real property-related documents, including deeds. Strong organizational skills be detail-oriented and to work independently and take assigned projects to completion. Must be familiar with legal terminology and legal citation references such as the Bluebook (current edition) and other job-related references. Working/Environmental Conditions Prolonged standing and/or walking. Handling light weight objects. Using or carrying equipment. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures #J-18808-Ljbffr