Sr Paralegal

DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) • Headquarters, KY

6d • $58,832 - $97,073 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Paralegal will assist the General Counsel, Legal Department attorneys, and as authorized, DART outside counsel in providing legal services to the DART Legal Department. This role supports the Public Information, Open Records and Open Government functions of the Agency and Legal Department, by receiving, processing and responding to open records requests. The Senior Paralegal assists in litigation by drafting legal documents for attorney review and approval; calendars deadlines including discovery, hearings and trial dates using the Legal department case management system; keeps attorneys informed of case deadlines and hearing dates; assists with and helps oversee discovery production; assists in preparation of trial or hearing materials. Additionally, the role performs legal research and writing; files documents with courts or other governmental entities; locates and interviews witnesses as necessary; schedules depositions. Receives electronic filings, summarizes deposition testimony and monitors case litigation process. Acts as a liaison between and a resource to various DART departments and external contacts regarding lawsuits, administrative hearings, and other litigation related cases. Reviews calendars and monitors legal matter deadlines using the Legal department case management system; maintains case files, including but not limited to indexes and organization of case file materials; assists with and helps oversee document collection. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associates degree from an accredited college or university, including but not limited to Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or Paralegal Certification from a program of paralegal studies as approved by the General Counsel.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible paralegal experience including legal assistant experience with an emphasis in two (2) or more areas of litigation or transactional matters.
• Valid Texas Class C drivers license, no Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction within the last (60) consecutive months, not more than (1) DWI on driving record, and not more than (3) convictions of moving violations within the last (36) consecutive months on driving record in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
• Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
• Proficiency of PC software applications to include Microsoft Office or other related software applications.
• Type 45 wpm; Proficient in using PC and software applications, such as Excel, MS Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil Procedures, Texas State Court system, and administrative proceedings.
• Finds solutions to complex legal, professional, technical and administrative problems using a variety of informational sources exercising creativity, and professional and technical principles.
• High level of proficiency conducting electronic and manual legal research techniques (systems, materials, and equipment to be used), and in performing complex professional, technical, and administrative work.
• Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external clients. Gets first-hand client information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with professional courtesy. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with others and gains their trust and respect.
• Ability to use his/her time effectively and efficiently. Values time. Concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities. Can attend to a broader range of activities.
• Ability to be action oriented and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging. Not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning. Seizes more opportunities than others.
• Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect. Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a professional obligation to division, department, and DART in handling materials and information of a confidential nature.
• Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
• Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Public Information, Open Records and Open Government functions of the Agency and Legal Department, by receiving, processing and responding to open records requests.
• Assists in litigation by drafting legal documents for attorney review and approval; Calendars deadlines including discovery, hearings and trial dates using the Legal department case management system; keeps attorneys informed of case deadlines and hearing dates; assists with and helps oversee discovery production; assists in preparation of trial or hearing materials.
• Performs legal research and writing; files documents with courts or other governmental entities; locates and interviews witnesses as necessary; schedules depositions. Receives electronic filings, summarizes deposition testimony and monitors case litigation process.
• Acts as a liaison between and a resource to various DART departments and external contacts regarding lawsuits, administrative hearings, and other litigation related cases.
• Reviews calendars and monitors legal matter deadlines using the Legal department case management system; maintains case files, including but not limited to indexes and organization of case file materials; assists with and helps oversee document collection.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree