Paralegal - Public Information (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•El Paso, TX

4d•$58,400 - $67,200•Remote

About The Position

The Paralegal supports the Governance team and is responsible for managing sizable, complex, or non-routine public records requests and reviewing court-based document requests on behalf of the Legal Affairs Team. The Paralegal ensures that IDEA and its affiliated entities meet all required legal and compliance requirements for processing requests, providing clear expectations, timelines, and correspondence to internal teams who must provide information. This role also maintains clear tracking mechanisms for the number of requests, due dates, and status of each request. The Paralegal reviews requests, makes determinations, and drafts communication for clarification, cost estimate letters, and letters to the attorney general regarding confidential or protected records. They also draft email responses on behalf of the In-House General Counsel based on inquiries from school-based employees. This individual possesses knowledge and expertise in open records and FOIA laws and performs job functions related to answering subpoenas and governmental requests for various records. The Paralegal reports directly to the In-House General Counsel. This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in specific regions or are willing to relocate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s degree in Office Administration, Business, or other related field.
Paralegal certification
3-5 years of administrative experience
Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe and a system like Dropbox
Knowledge of Public Records Law and requirements.
Skill in the use of office equipment including computers and various software applications.
Skill in research including Internet usage.
Able to interpret legal documents, such as subpoenas and affidavits for records, to ensure the organizational releases appropriate and complete documentation timely
Ability to build systems and structures internally to retrieve information from various stakeholders to meet needs of external requesting parties
Possesses strong and sound judgement on nature and impact of records request to collaborate with communications, legal, and leadership team members
Ability and demonstrated knowledge of technicalities of redactions for privilege, FERPA, or other confidential, protected information
Ability to manage large scale data, such as written correspondence/multimedia review, for appropriate release

Nice To Haves

Experience in public records, records management, records compliance, or legal environment preferred.
Experience with audio/video software preferred.

Responsibilities

Review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, and make appropriate redactions as necessary.
Compile data and information for reports.
Compose letters and memoranda.
Explain policies and procedures.
Maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Work with and meet required deadlines utilizing time management for both compliance and strong customer service with internal teams for providing records.
Gather and analyze research data such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Review mail to IDEA Headquarters to support timely follow-up on legal needs.
Support the Legal Affairs team with managing the collection and production of documents in connection with litigation.
Efficiently organize, prioritize, schedule, and manage daily work activities, tasks, and assignments.
Perform other clerical duties such as filing, and compiling correspondence.
Draft and co-lead trainings on public information requirements for staff members.
Manage sizable, complex or non-routine public records requests.
Review court-based document requests on behalf of the Legal Affairs Team.
Ensure IDEA and its affiliated entities meet all required legal and compliance requirements for processing requests.
Provide clear expectations, timelines, and correspondence to internal teams who must provide information.
Keep clear tracking mechanisms on the number of requests, due dates, and status of each request.
Review requests and make determinations and draft communication on needs for clarification, cost estimate letters, and (when necessary) letters to the attorney general related to records that may be confidential or protected.
Draft email responses on behalf of the In-House General Counsel based on inquiries from school-based employees.
Perform job functions and oversight related to answering subpoenas and governmental requests for various records.