Paralegal - Property Tax Division

Paralegal Position in Harris County Attorney's Office

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a paralegal to join the Property Tax Division which specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interest of Harris County. The paralegal in this role will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work, including, but not limited to, the job duties listed below, and ensures the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages a high-volume caseload.
• Manages a high call-volume with the public.
• Provides litigation support to the department and attorneys in the collaborative efforts to move cases forward.
• Maintains knowledge of the procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.
• Manually maintains and updates case files as needed.
• Drafts and/or mails demand letters and installment agreements.
• Formats and drafts legal forms such as petitions, citations, judgments, notices of trial, etc.
• Generates dismissals, non-suits and releases of judgment when required.
• Tracks the litigation costs and sends court costs letters when necessary.
• Is responsible for two district courts.
• Reviews and proofs 'citation returns.
• Conducts skip tracing (locating individuals and their location).
• Drafts abstract judgments and sends Writs of Execution to Constables for service.
• Calendars hearings, docket control orders, and case management in cases for trials.
• Attends court hearings, mediations, trials, and tax-sales.
• Communicates regularly with attorneys and other staff members.
• Communicates with the public and defendants, including the ability to resolve issues within attorneys' parameters.
• Acts as a liaison between courts, clerks, and attorneys as needed.
• Meets daily and weekly deadlines related to the many aspects of the litigation process including the collection of amounts owed on cases.
• Picks up documents and evidence from tax office and other locations.
• Participates in one-on-one sessions with management to give and receive feedback.
• Encourages and mentors other paralegals and interns.
• Participates in Division staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references.

Education and Experience:

• An Associate Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely similar field
• OR a paralegal certificate
• OR a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
• Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with the Texas Tax Code, Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
• Familiarity with commonly used legal terms.
• Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
• Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to comply with office training requirements.

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

The Harris County Attorney's Office:

Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorney's Office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network in all civil matters, including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.

Position Type, Typical Work Schedule, and Working Environment:

• This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO.
• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment. The individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• This is largely a sedentary role that requires standing or sitting for prolonged periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body, repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision-making, organization, the ability to read/write, and the ability to manage workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.

Compensation:

• The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate's qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.
• In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.