LEGAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST, Law Library

Legal Information Specialist

The Legal Information Specialist will be responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the Law Library including assisting self-represented litigants, attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals by guiding them through legal research tools and information resources with professionalism and care. This position requires fluency in legal terminology, knowledge of court systems and processes at all levels, and the ability to provide information without giving legal advice – all while staying current on changes in law and technology. Duties also include cataloging library materials, collection maintenance, acquisitions, outreach, administrative tasks, cash handling, and maintaining library facilities and equipment. Reports to Assistant Law Library Director.

Tarrant County employees enjoy superior health, retirement, and insurance benefits & 13 County Holidays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides legal reference assistance to attorneys, court personnel, litigants, paralegals, and the public via phone, in-person, and email. Assists patrons in navigating print and electronic resources, including online legal databases (Westlaw, Lexis, HeinOnline, Bloomberg Law), and explains classification systems, cataloging, and organization.
• Provides detailed information services focused on the legal system in Tarrant County. Maintains a solid, up-to-date understanding of county departments, ensuring the ability to answer questions about a wide array of topics, even those outside of the legal realm.
• Offers high-quality and timely customer service to patrons, ensuring effective communication and support for a wide range of inquiries. Handles irate or hostile individuals with professionalism.
• Manages the cataloging of new materials, assigning Library of Congress classifications, and ensuring collection accuracy. Performs regular shelf maintenance, update materials (e.g., loose-leaf publications), and removes/replaces outdated or damaged resources. Communicates with publishers to maintain current publications and resolves issues when necessary.
• Provides secretarial and administrative support to Library Management, including scheduling appointments, composing correspondence, and managing records. Performs complex clerical duties such as printing, scanning, filing, summarizing, sorting, labeling, and organizing documents. Organizes and maintain department records, statistics, policies, and procedures. Assists in the preparation of special reports & track library usage. Prepares deposits and income reports as needed.
• Assists in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the Law Library facilities, including computer stations, library stacks, tables, study carrels, conference rooms, and print/copy areas. Participates in opening and closing procedures, ensuring equipment is shut down and premises are secured.
• Tracks budget spending. Reviews, recommends, and procures legal materials and supplies. Participates in collection development discussions and evaluates future library needs. Oversees library equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, and copiers. Monitors and maintains supply inventory, orders replacements, and coordinates repairs as necessary.
• Supports the Law Library's outreach efforts at community events, working with internal and external organizations. Assists in promoting events, workshops, and educational sessions. Coordinates and applies for event accreditation when needed.
• Assists library management in effectively overseeing and maintaining the print legal resources and digital legal database accounts for all 53 courts in Tarrant County, ensuring seamless access and up-to-date information for judges.
• Trains and assists new employees, volunteers, and other staff members in library operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stay organized and know how to prioritize the workload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Proficiency in clerical tasks and cash handling

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate's degree or higher and 3 full-time years of work experience in a legal environment -OR-
• High School diploma or GED and 5 full-time years of work experience in a legal environment

Preferred Requirements:

• Paralegal certificate
• Notary Public
• Bilingual in Spanish

Important Notice:

To be considered for this position, your application must be complete and clearly demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications. Please ensure that all sections of the application are fully completed, including Education (specifying the type of degree, field of study, and graduation status), Experience, and Certifications/Licenses. Resumes alone will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will result in disqualification, as eligibility for minimum qualifications cannot be confirmed without full documentation. If selected for hire, you will be required to provide proof of educational attainment during the onboarding process.

Tarrant County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudication in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Physical Demands and Work Environment & Other Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent may be required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.