Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Paralegal – Legal Department

Lakewood Church – Houston, Texas

Reports To : General Counsel

Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 annually.

Compensation: Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, and organizational needs.

Relocation Assistance: Lakewood Church is prepared to consider relocation support for qualified candidates moving to the Houston area. Support may include reasonable, pre-approved moving expenses, travel, temporary housing, and other relocation-related costs.

Signing Bonus: Lakewood Church may offer a signing bonus to an exceptionally qualified candidate whose experience and capabilities closely match the needs of the Legal Department. The amount and terms, including payment timing and any applicable repayment obligation, will be included in the written offer of employment.

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

Departmental and Administrative Support

• Serve as liaison between the Legal Department and departmental staff and leaders
• Provide high-level legal administrative support, including legal research, information requests, and clerical functions
• Manage heavy calendars and coordinate meetings, trainings, and events with internal and external executives, staff, assistants, and consultants
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects and follow through on issues in a timely manner
• Answer and route phone calls, check voicemail, return calls, and respond to Legal Department emails
• Draft and distribute interdepartmental correspondence and emails
• Demonstrate strong customer service in dealing with the public and staff
• Perform general office support, including copying, faxing, databases, mail merges, mass mailings, meeting notes, and agendas
• Deliver internal and external correspondence (e.g., post office, FedEx)
• Coordinate miscellaneous and administrative mail for the Legal Department
• Perform general office duties, special projects, and other duties as assigned

Financial and Travel Administration

• Prepare purchase orders, contracts, travel authorizations, and check requests for the Legal Department
• Process expense reports and reimbursement requests
• Receive, review, and file monthly financial and budget reports
• Complete and submit annual insurance renewal applications
• Arrange travel, lodging, and transportation as needed

Meetings, Communications, and Presentations

• Facilitate conference calls, in-person meetings, and related logistics
• Direct incoming and outgoing electronic communications
• Assist with preparation of presentation materials
• Draft letters, memos, policies, board minutes, and other documents and correspondence

Legal Documents, Contracts, and Records

• Draft and maintain various release documents
• Assist with trademark and copyright administration
• Create and update status timelines for claims and lawsuits
• Receive, log, and file executed contracts and maintain a contract log spreadsheet
• Assist in contract administration, including city, state, federal, national, and global legal contracts and documents
• Maintain and update department-specific spreadsheets and timelines
• Maintain and renew Sales and Use Tax certificates for select states

Copyright, Media, and Intellectual Property

• Assist in administration of the Copyright Department: monitor, respond to, and maintain copyright email regarding use of copyrighted materials
• Conduct renewals of music and video licenses for use and publishing
• Manage copyrighted musical works and assist with overall music management for the church
• Maintain publishing permission agreements spreadsheets
• Report fraudulent activity on social media platforms
• Assist with removal of fake social media sites, websites, and other infringing material as directed

Personnel, Ministry, and Internships

• Organize and facilitate the quarterly legal internship program
• Facilitate and maintain new and recurring ministerial ordination/licensing for pastors, staff, and non-staff

International Offices and External Relationships

• Assist in administration of international offices and facilitate communication between Lakewood Church and its international offices
• Establish and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships

Professional Expectations

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with tact, discretion, and diplomacy
• Work under pressure and time constraints while handling changing priorities
• Be willing to work extended hours when necessary and remain on call as needed

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of directly related experience
• Commitment to Lakewood Church’s vision, mission, values, and core beliefs
• High motivation, attention to detail, and flexibility
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proactive self-starter requiring minimal oversight
• Strong electronic file management skills
• Ability to conduct research via internet and legal platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Practical Law)
• Ability to perform a wide range of secretarial and administrative functions needed for Legal Department operations
• Effective project management skills, including prioritization and organization to meet deadlines
• Strong listening skills and ability to defuse, handle, or route calls appropriately
• Ability to think clearly, analyze problems, and escalate matters to the appropriate department leader in a timely manner
• Professional appearance and conduct
• Courteous, prompt, and timely with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage time effectively
• Proven ability to work independently and as a strong team player
• Strong commitment to confidentiality
• High critical-thinking skills

Education

• Paralegal Certification or equivalent work experience
• Some college preferred

Ministerial Duties

As an employee of Lakewood Church, you are a part of an over 60-year legacy of faith. As a part of the Lakewood team, you are a key part of our mission in taking the hope found in Jesus to the world. This means that as part of your job responsibilities, you are considered a spiritual leader in the Church. You are responsible for communicating the Church’s beliefs and our mission to our congregants, to maintain a lifestyle consistent with the Scriptures, and are required to belong to the Church as part of our faith community.

This will also include:

• Regular attendance at Church services and classes
• Serving as a Prayer Partner or as a volunteer in any ministry of the Church, and
• Serving our community through local outreaches from time to time when needed by the Church