Paralegal (TPIA)

Basic Function

The Paralegal assists the Public Information Coordinator (PIC) with the processing of Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests and provides related support as needed. Provides assistance to the General Counsel as needed. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of client representation. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Reviews correspondence received via US Mail, hand delivery, fax and email daily for new TPIA requests and Subpoenas; calculates deadlines and prepares requests for further handling by appropriate departments.
• Provides notice of receipt of new TPIA requests to the Board Chair, President & CEO, Deputy CEO, General Counsel and Press Office.
• Creates and maintains TPIA and Subpoenas files.
• Communicates with appropriate departments to collect responsive documentation. 
• Reviews and redacts responsive documents in compliance with the TPIA.
• Drafts correspondence to requestors with responsive documentation for release. 
• Drafts Third Party Proprietary Letters/Notices related to TPIA requests.
• Assists with exhibits to Briefs to be filed with the Attorney General’s office and assists with filing and mail-out.
• Reviews Attorney General Opinions, calculates deadlines and scans documents to electronic files.
• Drafts correspondence to requestor based on Attorney General Opinions and documents to be released or withheld.
• Updates and Maintains TPIA Log and prepares reports to General Counsel.
• Processes completed files for closing and archiving and prepares reports to comply with METRO’s Records Retention guidelines.
• Processes incoming and outgoing mail and fax communications and assists with copying and scanning.
• Assists with research on previous TPIA Requests as needed.
• Performs legal research, and performs special projects as assigned by the General Counsel. 
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High School Diploma or GED is required.  Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum five (5) years’ experience as a paralegal including experience in litigation support, legal research, and writing.  Experience with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) is preferred.  

Knowledge & Skills Required

Successful completion of Paralegal certificate required.  Working knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act is preferred.  Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Power Point.  Working knowledge of Westlaw for legal research.  Strong writing skills and effective verbal communication skills.   

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.