PSA Legal Secretary
Houston, TX, US
Basic Function
Provides all necessary secretarial and administrative support to the Attorneys and the Office of the General Counsel. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.
Responsibilities and Specific Duties
- This is a temporary PSA job assignment not to exceed six (6) months in duration or $25,000 in total hourly wages during the six (6) month period.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of all legal matters handled by the department.
- Logs incoming lawsuits and maintains a tracking system for case intake, closings, and monthly statistics of same.
- Composes and types legal documents, correspondence, memos, letters, forms, reports, etc.
- Opens, screens, processes, and distributes all mail and all electronic filings made with or received from the District Clerk’s Office.
- Responsible for maintaining attorney calendars noting deadlines in Docket Control Orders, deposition dates, court hearings and trial dates.
- Communicates with courthouse staff when necessary.
- Directs telephone calls and other general administrative/secretarial duties.
- Organizes and maintains electronic case files in the designated METRO network drive and legal case management system.
- Files legal documents electronically with the District Clerk’s office and/or administrative agencies.
- Reviews billings/invoices and processes them for payment or reimbursement.
- Acts as the designated records management coordinator for the Litigation Team.
- Maintains record retention schedule and monitors compliance. Arranges for timely destruction of documents and logs according to METRO’s Retention Program.
- Participates in projects with other Departmental staff, as assigned.
- Communicates with individuals and entities outside the Office of General Counsel (both within and outside of METRO) regarding legal and administrative matters.
- Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
- Applies SMS methods and principles in their daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
- Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Pay Range: $26.11/hour - $34.23/hour
Education Requirement
High school diploma or GED required.
Years & Experience Required
Minimum seven (7) general secretarial experience including four (4) years of litigation experience. Spanish speaker is plus, as is personal injury litigation experience.
Knowledge & Skills Required
Strong proficiency with Personal Computers and Microsoft Office specifically Excel, Word, and calendaring in Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of legal terminology and general office procedures. Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills. Accurate typing skills, typing of 60-65 wpm preferred. Writing sample will be requested (brief professional letter or memo, with sensitive or privileged information redacted, if necessary).
Additional Information
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.
Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.
We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
Nearest Major Market: Houston