Legal Assistant III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This posting is for a Legal Assistant III in the Litigation Department of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Litigation Department is one of seven departments within the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Litigation Department works with the Office of Attorney General (OAG) to prosecute and defend lawsuits and administrative actions concerning employment decisions, tort claims, agency rules and policies, alleged constitutional violations, federal and state statutes and regulations, and breach of contracts. The Litigation Department acts as the point of contact between the OAG and the agency and its employees. The Litigation Department is responsible for analyzing claims, evaluating and managing risk, developing strategy, assisting with and drafting pleadings and discovery, preparing cases for trial and generally tracking and monitoring all pending or potential litigation against HHS or HHS employees. The Legal Assistant III performs advanced (senior-level) legal assistant work and should have strong organizational skills, an eye for details, and experience maintaining filing systems. Work involves supporting assigned attorneys, scheduling and coordinating legal activities, researching, analyzing, investigating, maintaining reports, drafting discovery and other legal documents, and maintaining the case management system. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal terminology; state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; research methods and techniques; administrative and court procedures; the legislative process; and public notice requirements.
Skills: Understanding, processing and summarizing information; meticulous and thorough; acute attention to detail; proficient in the use of office equipment, use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to conduct research; to draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents; to evaluate and relate findings to cases in question; to conduct investigations; and to communicate effectively and efficiently. Produces highly accurate work.
At least two years of Legal Assistant experince in litigation required.

Nice To Haves

A paralegal degree is preferred.
Three years of Legal Expereince in litigation preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides support to attorneys assigned to handle lawsuits and other matters involving the agency including: preparing and editing legal documents and correspondence; organizing case files, indexes, exhibits, affidavits, and other evidence; drafting and proofreading written responses to interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions, requests for information, and subpoenas; calendaring and monitoring all case activity and deadlines; maintaining contact with individuals and program areas involved in a case or matter; scheduling depositions and witness meetings; preparing attorneys for meetings with complainants, witnesses, and expert witnesses; accurately storing and maintaining documents in electronic case files; attending witness interviews, depositions and other meetings, as needed; retrieving documents from court records; conducting investigations; preparing chronologies, fact summaries, and witness files; and drafting status reports.
Enters accurate case information and other records in GAVEL, the HHS Office of Chief Counsel electronic case information system.
Uses word processing to prepare, revise, format and finalize a wide variety of documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, memorandums, petitions, deposition summaries, and other legal correspondence and documents as needed and in accordance with established timeframes. Reviews, edits and proofreads documents to ensure accuracy of spelling, grammar, legal citations and formatting. Routes document drafts to attorneys for approval within established timeframes. Utilizes templates, processes and procedures.
Provides records management support to the HHS Office of Chief Counsel staff; identifies, analyzes, and organizes records and archives; makes recommendations regarding appropriate disposition of records according to the approved HHS records retention schedule; prepares reports, inventories, indexes, and aids to assist staff with accessing records.