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I. JOB SUMMARY
Performs highly advanced and supervisory legal assistant work. Work involves coordinating legal activities; researching, analyzing, investigating, and drafting legal documents; and assisting attorneys with case management; and supervising the work of others. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A. Performs electronic legal research and prepares briefing papers regarding state and federal litigation against members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, parole commissioners, and board employees; prepares, coordinates, and organizes case files; develops and maintains a litigation and opinion tracking system; and responds to requests from the Office of the Attorney General regarding lawsuit information to include discovery requests.
B. Coordinates and assists in analyzing state and federal writs of habeas corpus; responds to requests from the District Attorney’s Office and Office of the Attorney General for assistance and information on state and federal writs of habeas corpus; and develops and maintains state and federal writs of habeas corpus.
C. Formulates and prepares reports, correspondence, and other legal documents; oversees, researches, and analyzes legal sources to include statutes, case law, administrative records, opinions, articles, and various rules and regulations; and drafts and prepares legal briefs and legal documents on issues to include but not limited to, criminal cases, state and national death penalty and clemency-related court cases, and parole laws and cases.
D. Performs legal research relating to executive clemency, death penalty, clemency, commutation or reprieve, full pardons, pardons for innocence, and other related issues; conducts investigations; prepares chronologies; prepares factual and legal summaries; and explains previously interpreted laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
E. Supervises the work of others.
* Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.
III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A. Education, Experience, and Training
1. Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States
Department of Education (USDE). Major course work in Criminal Justice, Law, or a
related field preferred. Each year of experience as described below in excess of the
required six years may be substituted for thirty semester hours from an accredited college
or university on a year-for-year basis.
2. Graduation from a course study for legal assistants or paralegals approved by the National
Association for Legal Assistants, American Bar Association, or American Association for
Paralegal Education required.
3. Six years full-time, wage-earning legal work or legal research experience to include litigation
support work.
4. Experience in the supervision of employees preferred.
5. Experience in legal assistance work preferred.
6. Experience in the use of LexisNexis, Westlaw, or equivalent legal research software
programs preferred.
7. Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word
processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs preferred.
B. Knowledge and Skills
1. Knowledge of legal terminology and electronic research methods and techniques.
2. Knowledge of legal and court procedures in Texas.
3. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations affecting legal operations
preferred.
4. Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.
5. Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the
public.
6. Skill to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
7. Skill in problem-solving techniques.
8. Skill in the use of computers and related equipment in a stand-alone or local area network
environment.
9. Skill to prepare and maintain accurate records, files, and reports.
10. Skill to review technical data and prepare technical reports.
11. Skill to conduct legal research and investigations.
12. Skill to read, evaluate, and relate findings in cases.
13. Skill in the use of LexisNexis, Westlaw, or equivalent legal research software programs.
14. Skill to supervise the work of others.
IV. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
A. Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend
repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze,
alphabetize, lift and carry 15-44 lbs., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor
equipment.
B. Conditions include working inside, working around machines with moving parts and moving
objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working
protracted or irregular hours, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane.
C. Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions include
computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, recording and transcription
equipment, telephone, dolly, and automobile.
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