Paralegal

Paralegal Position at Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is a space exploration learning destination dedicated to revealing how science and humanity power space exploration through meaningful, moving experiences about people and the courage, innovation, and teamwork they use to expand the boundaries of what's possible. We inspire guests of all ages to connect with the significance of space exploration as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to bring joy and wonder to the world. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, we are the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian affiliate.

We are seeking a part-time Paralegal responsible for providing comprehensive administrative and substantive legal support to the Office of General Counsel and assigned attorneys. This position supports the efficient management of legal matters through legal research, document preparation, case and records management, court filings, litigation support, scheduling, and coordination with internal and external parties. The position requires a high degree of organization, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage confidential information, competing priorities, and time-sensitive legal matters.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and substantive support to general counsel throughout all phases of assigned legal matters.
• Prepare, format, proofread, organize, and maintain legal documents, correspondence, affidavits, motions, briefs, and other materials for attorney review.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for depositions, hearings, meetings, and other legal proceedings.
• Assist with interviews and the collection and organization of factual information as directed.
• Assist with the preparation, coordination, and delivery of legal documents.
• File legal documents with courts and other agencies in accordance with established procedures and deadlines.
• Assist with document review and organization, including identifying materials requiring attorney review for privilege, confidentiality, or other legal considerations.
• Conduct legal, factual, and background research using written and electronic sources and prepare research materials for attorney review.
• Research applicable laws, rules, regulations, court procedures, and other legal authorities as requested.
• Establish, organize, maintain, and close legal and case files in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Monitor deadlines, filing requirements, appointments, and other critical dates to support timely completion of legal activities.
• Maintain accurate and current electronic and physical case records, correspondence, transcripts, and supporting documentation.
• Compile, organize, and maintain complex documentation and information from multiple sources for attorney review.
• Produce, edit, and organize transcripts and other case-related records as needed.
• Maintain appropriate controls to protect confidential, privileged, and sensitive legal information.
• Manage and maintain attorney calendars, appointments, meetings, hearings, depositions, and other commitments.
• Coordinate meetings, conference calls, depositions, and other activities involving attorneys, clients, witnesses, court personnel, and other parties.
• Screen, prioritize, and appropriately direct incoming calls, emails, correspondence, and other communications.
• Draft routine correspondence and other materials for attorney review.
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets, presentations, documentation, and other materials as needed to support legal activities.
• Provide support to multiple attorneys while balancing competing assignments, priorities, and deadlines.
• Perform administrative duties necessary to support the effective and efficient operation.
• Communicate professionally with employees, volunteers, contractors, officials, outside counsel, and other internal and external contacts.
• Respond to routine inquiries within the scope of the position and appropriately escalate matters requiring attorney involvement.
• Coordinate information and activities among attorneys, internal departments, external parties, courts, and other applicable entities.
• Represent the organization with professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all interactions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of organizational, client, case, and other sensitive information.
• Handle legal documents, records, and communications in accordance with applicable organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable legal terminology, court procedures, filing requirements, laws, rules, and regulations relevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Exercise sound judgment regarding the handling, sharing, and retention of confidential and sensitive information.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, business administration, or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of professional work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.
• Paralegal or legal assistant certification strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents, research methods, and court or legal administrative procedures.
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis, or comparable legal research databases.
• Knowledge of contracts and/or construction law.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong research, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with word processing, document preparation, electronic filing systems, and standard office technology.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive and privileged information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, employees, clients, court personnel, and other external contacts.

Physical Abilities/Working Conditions:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, communicate verbally, and use a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Requires frequent use of a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment to perform essential job functions.
• Requires the ability to read, review, prepare, and organize written and electronic documents for extended periods.
• May occasionally be required to lift, carry, or move files, documents, office supplies, and other materials.
• Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with regular interaction with attorneys, employees, clients, court personnel, and other external contacts.
• Work may involve frequent interruptions, changing priorities, multiple deadlines, and time-sensitive legal matters.
• May occasionally require work outside of normal business hours to meet critical legal or filing deadlines.

Starting pay $34-36/hour (commensurate with education, skills and experience.)

Space Center Houston is an equal opportunity employer. We promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration.