Posting Details

Title Information

Security Sensitive Position?YesHours of Work8:00AM-5:00PM M-FPosition Details

Position Information

Posting NumberTSU202210Official TSU TitleLegal AssistantGrant TitleN/AJob Description Summary / TWC Summary

Provides high level administrative and legal support to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Innocence Project in accordance with legal industry standards.

Essential Duties Summary

Serves as point of contact for the assigned area and answers routine and complex questions concerning department activities and operations. Screens and directs telephone calls and visitors to appropriate person(s). Takes messages as necessary. Assists with the coordination and tracking of pending assignments, requests for information from internal and external contacts, and scheduling of appointments. May independently troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to a diverse client base, as appropriate. Organizes, screens and responds to requests for assistance from the Innocence Project, and assists in investigation, case preparation, and litigation as needed. Provides diverse and complex administrative support to the Innocence Project staff by drafting, typing, editing and proofing complex academic and legal documents and correspondence related service and administrative operations to include but not limited to, client and other legal letters, legal memoranda, pleadings and other research and writing, scholarly papers, PowerPoint and other presentations, email, drafting of internal/external correspondence in accordance with appropriate writing and citation standards. Responsible for coordinating and arranging meetings, luncheons, seminars, conferences, and travel plans. Prepares travel and expense documentation, meeting agendas, marketing materials, and reserves rooms and facilities, makes arrangements for food services, prepares and distributes meeting minutes when required. May assist with research or involved in research/legal activities such as locating and compiling internet information, compiling demographics, generating charts, graphs and statistics using software, or gathering and preparing documents for hearings, trials, and submissions to courts, administrative agencies, or fact-finders. Assists attorneys with trial preparation. May take notes during research or legal meetings, maintain law office management software and electronic database, and monitor litigation, conference, or hearing calendar. Establishes, organizes and maintains electronic and manual file system. Files correspondence, materials and other records for future reference according to established file retention schedule and procedures. Follows procedures for systematic retention, protection, retrieval, transfer, and disposal of files and records according to established file retention schedule and procedures. Makes copies of and scan correspondence or other printed materials and operates a variety of standard office equipment. Prepares outgoing mail, correspondence, and communication, including e-mail and faxes. Sorts and distributes incoming mail. Orders and maintains supplies and arranges for equipment maintenance and repair. Selects and recommends purchases of appropriate office supplies and equipment. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

% FTE

100%

Hiring RangeCommensurate with experience.Education

Associates degree or certificate from an ABA approved paralegal training program preferred.

Required Licensing/Certification

One or more of the following preferred: Legal Secretary or Paralegal Certification and/or Microsoft Office Suite Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have excellent customer service skills. Must have the ability to meet strict deadlines and to multi-task and prioritize. Must have strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented and to work independently and take assigned projects to completion. Must be familiar with legal terminology and legal citation references such as the Bluebook (current edition) and/or other job related references. Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher; and other academic, graphics and legal applications such as Blackboard, WESTLAW, LEXIS/NEXIS and HEIN Online; and other databases/web references. Ability to use social media preferred.

Work Experience

Requires one to three years of experience working with electronic litigation/law office software and databases. Advanced organizational, writing and computer skills are required. Must be proficient in legal research, including the use of Lexis, Westlaw, CD-ROM services, Internet and library materials, and factual research. Prior experience working in the legal industry or as an executive-level assistant preferred.

Leadership/Supervisory Responsibilities

May require some leadership and / or supervision over others in similar jobs and/or provide work leadership and direction for externs, students and/or other employees.

Work Complexity/Budget Authority

Tasks are multiple and diverse with some interrelationship across processes. Handles some unrelated functions. Work requires the direct application of a variety of procedures, policies and/or precedents. May monitor budget activities but no responsibility for budget and expenditure authority.

Independent Judgment/Decision Making/Problem Solving Skills

Performs duties within scope of general University policies, procedures and objectives. Analyzes problems and performs needs assessments. Uses judgment in adapting broad guidelines to achieve desired result. Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices. Makes recommendations that affect policies, procedures and practices. Refers exceptions to policy and procedures to the supervisor.

Personal/Organizational Contacts

Some contact with others, including students, general public, visitors and University and Court personnel. Purpose of contacts is to provide or obtain explanation or additional information. Handles sensitive, complex, and/or confidential information.

Customer Service Relationships

Assesses and diffuses problem situations and requires influencing others to reach consensus. Requires tact and diplomacy to handle difficult customer situations. Requires advanced interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain internal and external customer relationships. Explores alternatives and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer.

Working/Environmental Conditions

Work is performed within routine office environment with no exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Physical demands are usually limited to sitting or standing in one location much of the time. Some stooping, lifting or carrying objects of light weight may be required.

Desired start datePosition End Date (if temporary) Posting Detail Information

UA EEO Statement

It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures

Close Date10/25/2019Open Until Filled (overrides close field) NoSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsOpen to all applicants.Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have an Associates degree or certificate from an ABA approved paralegal training program?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have one or more of the following: Legal Secretary or Paralegal Certification and/or Microsoft Office Suite Certification? Please explain.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Do you have one to three years experience working with electronic litigation/law office software and databases?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Are you proficient in legal research, including the use of Lexis, Westlaw, CD-ROM services, Internet and library materials, and factual research?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have prior experience working in the legal industry or as an executive-level assistant?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Official Transcripts

Optional Documents

1. Other Document
2. Reference Letter 1
3. Reference Letter 2
4. Reference Letter 3