Paralegal - Public Information (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Weslaco, TX

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Paralegal supports the Governance team and manages sizable, complex, and non-routine public records requests, as well as court-based document requests, on behalf of the Legal Affairs Team. The role ensures IDEA and its affiliated entities meet legal and compliance requirements for processing requests, while setting clear expectations, timelines, and correspondence for internal teams providing information. The Paralegal tracks request volumes, due dates, and status; reviews requests; and drafts clarification requests, cost estimate letters, communications to the attorney general regarding potentially confidential or protected records, and email responses on behalf of the In-House General Counsel. The position requires knowledge of open records and FOIA laws and includes oversight of responses to subpoenas and governmental requests for records. The Paralegal reports directly to the In-House General Counsel. This is a full-time remote position based in Texas. Preference is given to candidates in Austin, El Paso, Houston, the Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or to candidates willing to relocate. Travel within the region may be necessary throughout the year, and travel to IDEA training events or step-back may be required. The role is remote when not traveling or visiting campuses. The position reviews documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; makes appropriate redactions; compiles information for reports; composes letters and memoranda; explains policies and procedures; conducts legal research; supports mail review at IDEA Headquarters; and assists with collecting and producing documents for litigation. It also supports public-information training for staff and performs related clerical duties. The salary range for people entering the role is typically $58,400–$67,200, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and aligned with internal equity. The role is eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. IDEA may offer a relocation stipend, if applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in Office Administration, Business, or another related field.
3–5 years of administrative experience.
Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe and a system like Dropbox.
Knowledge of Public Records Law and its requirements.
Skill in using office equipment, computers, and various software applications.
Research skills, including Internet usage.
Ability to interpret legal documents such as subpoenas and affidavits for records to ensure appropriate and timely production of complete documentation.
Ability to build systems and structures for retrieving information from various stakeholders to meet external requesters’ needs.
Sound judgment regarding the nature and impact of records requests, and ability to collaborate with communications, legal, and leadership teams.
Knowledge of redaction requirements for privilege, FERPA, and other confidential or protected information.
Ability to manage large-scale data, including written correspondence and multimedia review, for appropriate release.
Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period and perform the described physical activities, including standing, sitting, talking, hearing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and using hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage sizable, complex, or non-routine public records requests and review court-based document requests.
Ensure requests are processed in compliance with legal and organizational requirements, and communicate expectations, timelines, and information needs to internal teams.
Maintain tracking mechanisms for request volume, due dates, and status.
Review requests and determine when clarification is needed; draft clarification communications, cost estimate letters, and letters to the attorney general concerning potentially confidential or protected records.
Draft email responses on behalf of the In-House General Counsel to inquiries from school-based employees.
Oversee responses to subpoenas and governmental requests for records.
Review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, and make appropriate redactions.
Compile data and information for reports; compose letters and memoranda; and explain policies and procedures.
Maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Meet required deadlines through time management while providing customer service to internal teams supplying records.
Gather and analyze research data, including statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, and documents.
Review mail sent to IDEA Headquarters to support timely follow-up on legal needs.
Support the Legal Affairs team with collection and production of documents connected with litigation.
Organize, prioritize, schedule, and manage daily work activities, tasks, and assignments.
Perform clerical duties such as filing and compiling correspondence.
Draft and co-lead trainings for staff on public information requirements.
Travel within the region as necessary, and potentially travel to IDEA training events or step-back.