Legal Counsel I - Houston, United States - Harris Central Appraisal District

Harris Central Appraisal District
Harris Central Appraisal District
Verified Company
Houston, United States

3 weeks ago

Mark Lane

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter
Description
Location Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX Job Type- Full-time- FLSA Status- Exempt- Close Date- Until Filled
Summary


The purpose of this entry level position is to represent the Appraisal District in civil litigation before the State District Courts and in administrative hearings.

Activities will include conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, pre-trial discovery and motion practice, alternative dispute resolution and trial representation for a large portfolio of civil lawsuits.

Activities may also include support of the appraisal district through transactional legal representation as needed.


Job Responsibilities (Essential Functions are identified with an asterisk)
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the job. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this job.


General Responsibilities (Broad responsibilities that are consistent across job families)

  • Maintain HCAD litigation support as inhouse counsel.
  • Develop arguments and represent the appraisal district as legal counsel during judicial and administrative proceedings.
  • Perform legal research and writing.
  • Draft motions, pleadings and legal briefs.
  • Propound and respond to written discovery
  • Negotiate settlements and resolve cases favorably and costeffectively for the district.
  • Exercise proper professional and ethical responsibilities to internal and external clients.
  • Maintain and update district publications, pamphlets, forms, and other documentation correspondence, reports, contracts and other legal documents as required.
  • Take ownership and accountability for special projects assigned.

Technical Responsibilities (Division specific responsibilities)

  • Working under the supervision of more experienced lawyers, providing support and assistance, such as performing legal research for a particular case and preparing a case for trial.
  • Managing a caseload of primarily straightforward lower value cases.
  • Attending mediations and settlement conferences.
  • Keeping supervisor abreast of the progress of a case by creating reports and communicating verbally.
  • Providing general input to diagnose, investigate and provide solutions to problems.
  • Planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
  • Attending and participating in staff meetings
  • Staying informed about current legislation, especially concerning property tax and local government.
  • Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, seminars, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies to meet CLE requirements.
  • Demonstrating interest in furthering career development.
Minimum Requirements


Education

  • Juris Doctorate, Graduation from an accredited law school
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Experience

  • 0 to 5 years' legal experience
  • Experience working for a governmental agency preferred
  • Experience in a highvolume litigation environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of Texas civil procedure required
  • Computer legal research using Westlaw
  • Knowledge of the Tax Code and Government Code preferred
  • Knowledge of the Public Information Act preferred
  • Initiates and maintains strong work and team relationships
  • Good judgment/common sense/problemsolving
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Project management, including high quality, efficiency, and timeliness
  • Legal competency/expertise/knowledge of the law
  • Dedication to client service/responsive to client
  • Initiative/ambition/drive/strong work ethic
  • Commitment to the district, its goals, and values
  • Commitment to professional development toward excellence
  • Integrity/honesty/trustworthiness
  • Research skills
  • Community and bar association involvement
  • Inspires confidence
  • Stress/crisis management
  • Ability to work independently
  • People Skills
  • Active listening skills
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Strong critical thinking, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
  • Adaptability and attention to detail
  • Creativity
  • Strong computer skills

Competencies Required
Communication - Conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message; listening actively to others


Customer Orientation - Placing a high priority on the internal or external customer's perspective when making decisions and taking action; implementing service practices that meet the customers' and own organization's needs.

Decision Making - Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions; taking
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