Senior Paralegal - General Counsel

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: All persons interested
Job Classification: Senior Paralegal
Division: General Counsel
Reporting Location: 900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
Workdays & Hours: *Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm (*Subject to change)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The City of Houston Legal Department strives to provide the highest quality municipal legal services to the City, its elect
appointed officials, and its employees in the most efficient manner feasible through adherence to the following guiding principles:

• Quality & Service - Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
• Partnership & Teamwork - Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City's goals.
  
• Integrity & Candor - Acting with a commitment to honesty and ethical behavior.
  
• Dignity & Diversity - Demonstrating esteem for the worth of each individual.
  
• Innovation & Imagination - Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City's objectives.
  

Composed of approximately 100 of Houston's finest attorneys working in 10 legal practice sections, the Legal Department personal injury, commercial and civil rights litigation, major commercial and real estate transactions, a diverse array resources, labor and employment matters, while also counseling the municipal corporation on economic development constitutional, election matters, ethics and quality of life matters, and preparing City ordinances governing Houston citizens. Every employee is committed to the Department's motto - "Service Through Law."

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The City of Houston Legal Department seeks a skilled, energetic, team and detail-oriented Paralegal who is self-motivated and excited to be a part of the General Counsel Section's team of paralegals whose primary focus is processing and managing Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests. The ideal candidate should possess excellent organizational, analytical, and legal research skills, This position plays a critical role in ensuring the City’s compliance with strict statutory timelines set forth in the TPIA. The core functions and duties of the Paralegal include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinating, tracking, and processing TPIA requests in compliance with statutory deadlines, corresponding with departments and requestors regarding TPIA requests.
• Reviewing requested records to identify responsive documents, and researching and drafting ruling requests to the Texas Attorney General's Office asserting applicable exceptions to public disclosure pursuant to the TPIA, redacting documents for production, and preparing weekly interdepartmental reports.
• Performing legal research on a wide variety of matters.
• Assisting attorneys in drafting various documents such as legal opinions, interoffice memoranda, legal briefs, election documents, ordinances, resolutions, motions, and agreements including formatting, reviewing, and verifying documents for accuracy.
• Opening and closing files, tracking invoices, and other administrative duties as assigned.
• Working in Word, Outlook, Excel and other software programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:
Requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate and a certificate in paralegal or legal assistant studies. An Associate degree may be substituted for the above certification requirement. Above average academic performance is preferred. Requires basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

EXPERIENCE:
Five years of experience as a paralegal at a comparable professional organization are required. An additional two years of Paralegal experience may be substituted for the certificate in paralegal or legal assistant studies.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field
• Experience preparing or assisting with submissions to the Texas Attorney General pursuant to the TPIA
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information
• Knowledge of municipal or government operations
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook, and Excel

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None

The department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION:

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 19

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6214.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6214.

If you need login assistance or technical support call (855) 524-5627.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employment

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 12/29/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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