Enforcement Prosecutor Legal Assistant III #0403-25

A STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW. RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF APPLICATIONS. ONLY COMPLETED, TYPED APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED. ONLY EMAILED OR FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING MAILED APPLICATIONS. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FROM OUR WEBSITE.

Job Description

The Prosecutor’s Legal Assistant is selected and responsible to the Legal Assistant Manager and Legal Assistant Supervisor and supports a prosecuting attorney in the Prosecutor section. Work involves performing a variety of highly complex legal and administrative support duties designed to assist the attorney with caseload management. The Prosecutor’s Legal Assistant is primarily responsible for reviewing and resolving complaints against licensees and other regulated persons and entities, identifying indicators of trafficked persons, extensive drafting of legal documents, scheduling hearings, preparing witnesses and organizing evidence for presentation in hearings, and disseminating general information regarding enforcement cases under multiple statutes. Work is performed under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment concerning priorities, methods and procedures to accomplish assigned duties. The Prosecutor’s Legal Assistant will perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties

· Reviews investigative reports related to complaints to ascertain that all necessary evidence has been obtained, identifies indicators of trafficked persons, ensures the case is prioritized appropriately, and makes recommendations to the prosecutor regarding case resolution.

· Drafts appropriate legal documents and professional correspondence, including but not limited to notices of alleged violation, notices of hearing, letters of proposed license denial, motions, orders, exceptions to proposals for decision, warning letters and case closing letters.

· Stays up to date on the status of enforcement cases by maintaining an accurate tickler system for notices of alleged violation and other time-sensitive documents. Maintains case files and records relevant information in the case management system.

· Responds orally and in writing to inquiries about enforcement cases, from within and outside the agency; inquiries regarding TDLR’s multiple statutes and rules; and the agency’s enforcement procedures and policies.

· Dockets cases for administrative hearings. Assists in preparing for administrative hearings; schedules witnesses and prepares them for testifying; organizes documentary evidence; and prepares exhibit lists, trial notebooks, and other tools used by the attorney.

· Maintains an accurate schedule of informal conferences and administrative hearings, and prompts attorneys and investigators as needed for trial preparation or case settlement.

· Attends administrative hearings and Commission meetings with the attorney and assists as needed.

· Negotiates settlements of enforcement cases in accordance with the Complaint Resolution Procedures Manual and as directed by the attorney, Chief Prosecutor or Director of Enforcement.

· Assists the attorney in managing a high-volume caseload that includes cases under all of the statutes administered by TDLR.

· Researches and interprets statutes, rules, regulations, codes, and administrative records, and analyzes their applicability and significance under fact situations presented in complaints. Identifies indicators of trafficked persons in complaints and cases.

· Conducts internet research as needed to secure identity, location, ownership and other background information about individuals, business entities, properties, and events. Searches websites and databases to identify evidence and indicators relating to the trafficking of persons. Researches and responds to inquiries about Enforcement cases and Enforcement holds placed in licensing records, from both within and outside the agency. Conducts legal research in various areas of federal and state law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.

· Assists the General Counsel’s Office on open records requests including gathering and compiling responsive documents and information.

· Performs duties in accordance with division policies and procedures set forth by the Director, including but not limited to the Complaint Resolution Procedures Manual, the Legal Files Procedure Manual, the Enforcement Plan, the Criminal Conviction Guidelines, and the Complaint Prioritization Schedule.

· Assist the Legal Assistant Supervisor to provide training.

· Consistently provides friendly, caring and professional customer service.

· Complies with division and/or agency training requirements.

· Demonstrates a spirit of teamwork, fosters camaraderie, offering positive and constructive ideas, encouragement and support to other members of the staff and team, while upholding the agency’s core values.

· Keeps management appropriately informed of ongoing activity and critical matters affecting the operation and well-being of the agency.

· Adheres to all Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Personnel Policies and performs other duties as assigned by the Legal Assistant Supervisor, Legal Assistant Manager and Director of Enforcement.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent. Three (3) years of experience performing legal assistant work required. Relevant experience may include, but is not limited to, drafting and interpreting legal documents; reviewing cases according to statute and rule requirements; preparing witnesses and exhibits for trial, legal research, and investigative work utilizing the internet and other resources. College or university course work in a field related to law or investigations may be substituted for one year of legal assistant experience. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university or certification as a legal assistant or Paralegal preferred. Spanish, Vietnamese and/or Mandarin bilingual skills preferred.

Military Occupation Specialty Code:

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 127D- Paralegal Specialist, YN- Yeoman, 4421- Legal Services Specialist, 4422- Legal Services or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Legal

Remarks

The successful candidate will have: Knowledge of legal practices, terminology, and basic legal concepts such as jurisdiction, notice, and due process; basic investigative methods, rules of evidence and procedural rules, and agency policies and procedures relevant to investigations and enforcement; the Open Records Act; and administrative law proceedings and the associated legal documents. Skill in the use of computers and applicable software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook; and in the use of a computer to produce complex legal documents, correspondence, statistical reports, and other complex documents. Skill in conducting internet research; in the use of case management systems and licensing databases; and in the operation of office equipment. Effective communication skills in the contexts of telephone contacts, in-person contacts, and testifying in court. Excellent writing skills including proficiency in drafting legal documents and basic business correspondence using proper spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain, both orally and in writing, statutes, rules, and procedures; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to communicate effectively in writing and verbally; to demonstrate independent thinking and decision-making; to plan and manage multiple tasks or courses of action simultaneously; to interpret criminal history records; and, to respond effectively to rapidly changing priorities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $57,000.00 - $61,250.04 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $57,000 - $61,250