Paralegal - Holistic Division

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, employing more than 350 professionals, including over 200 attorneys. Our office provides client-centered, holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Harris County through interdisciplinary teams that include attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and administrative professionals. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense through interdisciplinary advocacy.

Position Overview:

The Holistic Division of HCPDO seeks a dedicated, organized, and detail-oriented paralegal to support civil attorneys representing PDO clients in a variety of legal matters, including record sealing, administrative license revocation (ALR), parole revocation, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) proceedings, civil protective orders, and asset forfeiture. The paralegal will assist with case preparation, legal research, document management, court filings, and client communication while working collaboratively with attorneys and other members of the defense team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare, draft, format, and organize pleadings, motions, orders, discovery materials, legal forms, correspondence, and other case-related documents.
• Maintain case calendars, track court deadlines, and monitor scheduling orders and docket control orders.
• Prepare and electronically file legal documents in state, federal, and appellate courts, as applicable.
• Assist with obtaining necessary authorizations, court orders, and medical, employment, educational, and other relevant records.
• Coordinate client meetings and assist with client interviews and assessments, as appropriate.
• Facilitate communication among clients, attorneys, court personnel, outside agencies, and other members of the defense team.
• Maintain organized and accurate case files, records, and documentation.
• Keep assigned attorneys informed of case developments, deadlines, and outstanding tasks.
• Conduct legal research as requested and assist attorneys with case preparation, hearings, and trials.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys, mitigation specialists, social workers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Provide administrative support, including answering phones, preparing correspondence, filing, and copying, as needed to support division operations.
• Provide coverage and assistance to other paralegals or administrative staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Division Chief or assistant public defenders.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• An Associates degree or higher in Paralegal Studies from an accredited college or university

OR

• Paralegal certificate

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in legal support services/legal studies from an accredited college or university

OR

• At least five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a criminal defense, public defense, civil litigation, legal aid, or similar legal environment.
• Knowledge of criminal procedure, civil procedure, rules of evidence, and court filing requirements.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with attorneys and interdisciplinary team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with clients, colleagues, and court personnel.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, learn new procedures, and respond effectively to the defense team's needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, client-centered representation, and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 pay periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Benefits

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com