Legal Assistant

Grade 17 - Starting hourly rate: $23.40. Rate of pay depends on qualifications. Job Description JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Assistant supports the legal department staff by performing advanced legal administrative duties, including legal secretarial and general clerical duties, along with those of a sensitive and confidential nature. Enhances attorneys’ effectiveness by documenting and understanding legal proceedings, maintaining and organizing files, and drafting documents.

- Performs secretarial duties for Legal Department.

- Researches, compiles, and analyzes data for special projects and various reports.

- Indexes and files legal documents, correspondence, and reports.

- Drafts, receives and researches legal correspondence, board resolutions and memos, pleadings, condemnations and depositions.

- Maintains pleading binders for cases pertaining to SAWS litigation.

- Maintains calendars and appointments for assigned attorneys.

- Coordinates and acts as liaison with external counsel, SAWS’ staff and governmental agencies.

- Schedules and organizes meetings, gathers confidential information on projects and distributes relevant information to internal and external counsel.

- Maintains legal files for assigned attorneys.

- Communicates clearly and effectively.

- Demonstrates knowledge of legal terminology and documents, and of techniques of legal research.

- Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to scheduling travel arrangements, conference room reservations, timekeeper responsibilities and creating and approving requisitions.

DECISION MAKING

- The Legal Assistant reports to a managing attorney and works under general but limited supervision.

Minimum Requirements

- Two years of college with major coursework in Business or Public Administration or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.

- Five years’ of increasingly responsible legal experience.

- Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.

- Experience working for public or government entity.

- Experience with Texas Public Information Act.

JOB DIMENSIONS

- Knowledge of methods and techniques of legal research.

- Proficient skill in utilizing a personal computer, spreadsheets, graphics, databases, presentations, purchasing, financial and time and attendance software and computer/legal software.

- Ability to analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.

- Ability to maintain a high-level of discretion with sensitive and/or confidential information.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with internal and external customers, executive management, attorneys, Board members, elected officials, governmental agencies and the general public.

- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements including lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally. Subject to sitting for long periods of time to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity, speech and hearing. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional field visits and occasional remote work opportunities.

May be required to work hours other than regular schedule, such as nights and weekends.