Job Details
Open Rank: Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Position Title: Paralegal or Legal Assistant
This is an open rank position based on the hiring needs of the department and education/experience of the candidate selected.
Job Type/Hours per Week
Full-time/40 Hours per Week
Salary
Salary commensurate with relevant work experience.
Hiring Department
Office of Legal Affairs
Location
This position is located on the UT Tyler campus. The position is not eligible for remote work.
Required Application Materials
A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.
Important Instructions:
When prompted to upload your "resume", upload your combined documents as one file.
- Please do not upload documents to "Cover Letter" or "References".
If the required application materials were not uploaded at the "resume" prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.
Job Summary
This is an open rank position based on the hiring needs of the department and education/experience of the candidate selected.
The Legal Assistant is responsible for providing analytical, technical, and administrative skills necessary to manage information and perform all duties in support of the academic enterprise in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT). The position must exercise independent thought over non-routine clerical or legal matters and assist in the formulation of operating procedures.
The Paralegal enhances the effectiveness of the Office of Legal Affairs by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, managing case files, and communicating with clients and external stakeholders. The position functions as a paralegal and performs a variety of specialized tasks to support the daily functions of the Office of Legal Affairs.
Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks
- Track deadlines and maintain case-management systems.
- Prepare periodic activity reports and produce contracts and other ad hoc reports as requested.
- Compile and organize Public Information Act request responses and maintain public web pages.
- Schedule and assist with Privacy Oversight Committee activities, maintain disclosures log, and assist with privacy matters as requested.
- Maintain OLA Sharepoint site, including updating form contracts and other information as needed.
- Assist with ethics and conflicts of interest matters as requested.
- Serve as a resource on contracts preparation and contract management, including assistance with drafting and reviewing for accuracy and compliance with the requirements of UTT, UT System Office of General Counsel, and Board of Regents.
- Maintain notary public designation and provide notary services for UTT as necessary or requested as needed.
- Serve as a resource for support staff and attorneys regarding legal procedures.
- Interface and handle inquiries from UTT Administration, faculty and staff, UT System and UT System Office of General Counsel, Texas Attorney General's Office and outside organizations.
- Compile and organize information and documentation for case defense and responses to discovery, including case summaries, witness lists, affidavits and chronologies, subpoena responses and appeal hearing documents.
- Monitor and maintain outside counsel expense reports and process payments, accordingly, including required submission to the Texas Attorney General's Office.
- Provide administrative support for department as needed.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
The Paralegal position will also be responsible for the following:
- Conduct legal and factual research.
- Draft and review legal correspondence, reports, and documents.
- Coordinate the collection of evidence, documents and information concerning legal issues from a variety of internal and external sources; prepares discovery responses or other responses.
- Research, compile, prepare, and provide legal reports and memoranda to the attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs, as well as attorneys at the UT System Office of General Counsel.
Required Education/Experience
Paralegal
- Bachelor's degree in business or a related field.
- Five (5) years of experience in a legal setting.
- Paralegal certificate preferred.
- Experience in litigation support, contracts, compliance, higher education, government, healthcare, or employment law.
- Strong legal research, writing, organization, and confidentiality skills.
- May accept a combination of education and experience.
Legal Assistant
- Bachelor's degree in business or a related field.
- Three (3) years of administrative experience in a related environment.
- May accept a combination of education and experience.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience in higher education or governmental setting.
Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and office equipment.
- Strong customer service and communication skills, both in person and over the phone.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate events and activities.
- Proficiency in managing and reviewing documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
- Interact professionally with students, faculty, and university leadership.
- Demonstrated flexibility and initiative in a dynamic work environment.
- Ethical.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
About The University of Texas at Tyler and UT Tyler Health Science Center
The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.
Designated as an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.
Providing exceptional patient care, comprehensive education and innovative research, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas combine to serve as the university medical center for Northeast Texas and beyond.
For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about.
Additional Information
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits.
Learn more about working at UT Tyler by visiting Why UT Tyler?
EEO Statement
The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.