Senior Paralegal

CLASS CODEB.28SALARY$28.81 Hourly
ESTABLISHED DATEAugust 16, 2024REVISION DATEAugust 13, 2024

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the General Counsel of the Williamson County Commissioners Court, this position is responsible for providing administrative and legal support to attorneys who provide legal counsel and representation to the Williamson County Commissioners Court, Commissioners Court departments and, as requested, Williamson County elected and appointed officials.

   EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

   Under the supervision of attorneys in the General Counsel’s Office, the paralegal work will include but not be limited to the following:

  • Responsible for office administrative tasks and records management
  • Maintains all client confidentiality and privacy privileges and laws
  • Assists attorneys with drafting, reviewing, revising, and negotiating contracts to which Williamson County is a party, including county roads, parks and building construction contracts; professional services agreements for architectural, engineering, surveying, and consulting services; purchase agreements for services and goods; interlocal agreements between a multitude of federal, state, and local entities; etc.
  • Serves as a liaison between the General Counsel office and the Williamson County Purchasing Department, providing direction relating to procurement issues, laws, and requirements, as well as reviewing Williamson County bids and requests for proposals and qualifications
  • Participates and assists in on-going contract management
  • Assists attorneys with researching, reviewing, drafting, analyzing, and amending County policies and regulations and resolutions adopted by or to be recommended for adoption by the Williamson County Commissioners Court
  • Assists attorneys with providing legal advice and assistance on open government matters (Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Public Information Act), including the review of responsive information, identification of applicable exceptions, and drafting of legal briefs and requests for rulings to the Attorney General of Texas
  • Assists attorneys with reviewing applications for pauper burials and preparation of orders for Commissioners Court
  • Conducts legal research and analysis in preparation for legal opinions to the Williamson County Commissioners Court and Williamson County officials upon request
  • Serve as a confidential trusted advisor to the Williamson County Commissioners Court and all other department heads and elected and appointed officials on any assigned legal inquiries
  • Assists attorneys with legal representation of Williamson County in litigation matters and provide assistance with proposed claims resolutions relating to claims, lawsuits and demands against Williamon County
  • Communicates frequently with the Commissioners Court members and other elected and appointed Williamson County officials, department heads and employees, attorneys, and opposing attorneys
  • Corresponds and communicates orally, in writing and by electronic mail, with Williamson County elected and appointed officials, employees, and citizens
  • Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
  • Performs other duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

  • Reports directly to – General Counsel of the Williamson County Commissioners Court
  • Direct Reports – None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Position involves prolonged sitting at a desk or other workstation, standing, reading, visual examination of documents, speaking, reaching, walking, twisting, bending and repetitive motions

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

  • Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
  • Some travel between work sites as required
  • Periods of high stress, high pressure of deadlines, and case management under limited time constraints
  • Work is performed onsite in a county facility and is not a remote work position

IRREGULAR HOURS

  • Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
  • Essential personnel for emergency situations; discretion of department director

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Working knowledge of Westlaw, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Acrobat
  • Strong analytical and communication (written and verbal) skills are essential to effectively and objectively advise and/or interact with client representatives, personnel, external agencies, and in-house/outside legal counsel
  • Strong organization and legal writing skills

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

  • Paralegal Certificate from a professionally recognized paralegal/legal assistant program

Required within thirty (30) days of employment

  • Valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Previous experience with public sector entity such as a Texas county or municipality
  • Previous experience with public sector procurement issues, laws, and requirements for a public sector entity such as a Texas county or municipality
  • A clear knowledge and understanding of contractual principals and theory with previous experience handling transactional matters, with such experience with Texas counties or municipalities being preferred, but not mandatory

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

  • Criminal background check: Yes
  • Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
  • Drug screening: No
  • Physical exam: No
  • Psychological exam: No

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).  If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

FLSA

Non-Exempt (Hourly)