Paralegal - Property Tax Division - Houston, United States - Harris County

Harris County
Harris County
Verified Company
Houston, United States

2 weeks ago

Mark Lane

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Mark Lane

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Description

Position Description:


  • The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Paralegal to join the Property Tax Division which specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interest of Harris County. The paralegal in this role will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work, including, but not limited to, the job duties listed below, and ensures the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:


  • Manages a highvolume caseload.
  • Manages a high callvolume with the public.
  • Provide litigation support to the department and attorneys in the collaborative efforts to move cases forward.
  • Maintains knowledge of the procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.
  • Manually maintains and updates case files as needed.
  • Drafts and/or mails demand letters and installment agreements.
  • Formats and drafts legal forms such as petitions, citations, judgments, notices of trial, etc.
  • Generate dismissals, nonsuits and releases of judgment when required.
  • Track the litigation costs and send court costs letters when necessary.
  • Responsible for two district courts.
  • Reviewing and proofing 'citation returns.'
  • Skip tracing (locating individual and their location).
  • Drafts abstract judgments and sends Writs of Execution to Constables for service.
  • Calendars hearings, docket control orders, and case management in cases for trials.
  • Attends court hearings, mediations, trials, and taxsales.
  • Communicates regularly with attorneys and other staff members.
  • Communicates with the public and defendants, including the ability to resolve issues within attorneys' parameters.
  • Acts as a liaison between courts, clerks, and attorneys as needed.
  • Meet daily and weekly deadlines related to the many aspects of the litigation process including the collection of amounts owed on cases.
  • Pick up documents and evidence from tax office and other locations.
  • Participates in oneonone sessions with management to give and receive feedback.
  • Encourages and mentors other paralegals and interns.
  • Participates in Division staff meetings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:


  • This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
    Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
    Requirements:
    Supporting Job Application Documents:
  • Applicants should provide a
    cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references.

Education and Experience Requirements:


  • An Associate Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely similar field
    OR
  • Paralegal certificate
    OR
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


  • Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
  • Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, and PowerPoint.
  • Familiarity with the Texas Tax Code, Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
  • Familiarity with commonly used legal terms.
  • Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
  • Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
  • Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to comply with office training requirements.

General Information:


  • Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorney's Office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and the Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network in all civil matters, including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.

Position Type and Typical Work Schedule:

  • This is a full-time position.-
  • Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary.-
  • Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO

Work Environment:


  • This position primarily operates in a professional office environment.
  • The individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones

Physical and Mental Demands:


  • This is largely a sedentary role that requires standing or sitting for pro
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