Legal Assistant

Security Sensitive Position?

Yes

8:00AM-5:00PM M-F

TSU
203669

Legal Assistant

n/a

The Earl Carl Institute is seeking a skilled and experienced legal assistant to support our legal team using their work experience and organizational skills to prepare and maintain legal documents, file motions, legal briefs, interview clients and witnesses, and conduct legal research.

• 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.
• 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.
• Makes copies of and scans 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.

1.0

$40,613.11 - $51,781.72

Required: Some college or Associate Degree (A.A.) and/or vocational or technical school and/or specialized training or certification
Preferred: Bachelors degree

Preferred: Completion of Legal Secretary, Paralegal Training Certificate. Microsoft Office Suite Certification.

• Federal, State, Local, and County laws
• Policies, procedures, and practices
• Specialized practices, equipment and procedures
• Blackboard, WESTLAW, LEXIS/NEXIS and HEIN Online or similar.
• Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications

• Excellent both verbal and written communication
• Project management, time, and organizational skills
• Excellent customer service
• Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong analytical skills
• Coordinating work of others
• Strong writing skills are a given, considering the need for them to create papers and articles on their research results that clearly and concisely convey their findings

• Work with students in a learning environment
• Work effectively and efficiently under pressure is essential
• Use job related software such as, but not limited to, Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw and legal databases
• Work independently
• Communicate effectively

• 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 reference

Prolonged standing and/or walking.
Handling light weight objects.
Using or carrying equipment.

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…