CLAIMS & SUBROGATION PARALEGAL

Applications accepted from:         ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification:                          PARALEGAL
Department:                                    LEGAL
Division:                                           CLAIMS & SUBROGATION
Reporting Location:                        900 BAGBY
Workdays & Hours:                         MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*   *Subject to Change
 
 
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The City of Houston Legal Department strives to provide the highest quality municipal legal services to the City in the most efficient manner feasible through adherence to the following guiding principles:
 

• Quality & Service – Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients
• Partnership & Teamwork – Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals
• Integrity & Candor – Acting with a commitment to honesty and ethical behavior
• Dignity & Diversity – Demonstrating esteem for the worth of each individual
• Innovation & Imagination – Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives 
  Comprised of nearly 100 of Houston’s finest attorneys across ten sections, the Legal Department has the pivotal role of providing litigation support, negotiating and drafting contracts, handling taxation matters, advising on personnel actions, dealing with the acquisition of sale of City property, overseeing City elections, advising City officials and departments, and dealing with neighborhood protection and quality of life issues. Every employee is committed to the Department’s motto – “Service Through Law.”

  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  The City of Houston Legal Department seeks a skilled, energetic, team-oriented Paralegal who is self-motivated and excited to be a part of the Claims and Subrogation team. The core functions and duties of the Paralegal include, but are not limited to:
    

  • Opening and closing electronic and physical files and maintaining the files for the duration of claims and litigation
  • Performing pretrial preparation such as trial notebooks, arranging exhibit preparation, subpoenas, scheduling court reporters and videographers, and coordinating travel arrangements
  • Drafting documents such as pleadings, discovery, contracts, correspondence, ordinances, resolutions, and requests for counsel action
  • Electronic filing of pleadings and court documents
  • Preparation of discovery responses and document gathering   
  • Assisting attorneys with depositions and with court hearings, coordinating witnesses, and performing general duties as assigned
  • Maintaining attorney calendars and schedules; working with court staff to obtain hearing dates and trial schedules
  • Performing legal research, coordinating and scheduling court appearances, trials, depositions and meetings
  • Working in Word, Outlook, Excel, and other software programsWORKING CONDITIONS 
    This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

    Job Requirements:

    EDUCATION
    Requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate and a certificate in paralegal or legal assistant studies.

    An associate’s degree may be substituted for the above certification requirement. Above average academic performance is preferred.

    EXPERIENCE
    No experience required.

    Preference will be given to applicants with: 

    • Opening and closing electronic/physical files along with maintaining the files for the duration of a claim and litigation
    • Performing pretrial preparation such as creating trial notebooks, exhibits, subpoenas, scheduling court reporters and videographers, and coordinating travel arrangements
    • Drafting documents such as pleadings, discovery, contracts, correspondence, ordinances, resolutions, and requests for counsel action
    • Electronic filing of pleadings and court documents
    • Preparing discovery responses and gathering documents 
    • Assisting attorneys with depositions and with court hearings, coordinating witnesses, and performing general duties as assigned
    • Maintaining attorney calendars and schedules; working with court staff to obtain hearing dates and trial schedules
    • Performing legal research, coordinating and scheduling court appearances, trials, depositions and meetings
    • Working in Word, Outlook, Excel, and other software programs
      **Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
      All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample, transcripts, and letter(s) of recommendation.
       
      SAFETY IMPACT POSITION      No
       
      SALARY INFORMATION
      Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.  
       
      Pay Grade: 12
       
      Salary Range: $39,000 – $50,000
       
      APPLICATION PROCEDURES
      Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.  
      To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832)393-6214.
       
      All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.
       
      Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
       
      If you need special services or accommodations, call (832)393-6214.
      If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627
       
      EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
      The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.