Anti-Human Trafficking Legal Assistant
Posting: #0405-25
Opening Date: April 15, 2025
Closing Date: Until filled
Location: North Campus- 1106 Clayton Ln. Austin, TX 78723
Yearly Salary: B20 $61,250.04- $65,100.00
Division: Anti-Human Trafficking Team/Legal Team
PO BOX 12157, Austin, TX 78711
PH: 512.463.7184
FAX: 512.475.3377
Job Description
The Anti-Human Trafficking Team (AHTT) Legal Assistant is selected and responsible to the Legal Team Manager and supports the AHTT prosecuting attorneys. Work primarily involves performing a variety of highly complex legal and administrative support duties designed to assist the AHTT attorneys with caseload management of suspected Human Trafficking cases. AHTT is a litigating division and the Legal Assistant’s work involves reviewing complaints and inspection reports, drafting legal documents, scheduling hearings, preparing witnesses and organizing evidence for presentation in State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), including Emergency Order hearings. The AHTT may also occasionally testify at SOAH. 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.
Essential Duties
- Reviews investigative and inspection reports to ascertain that all necessary evidence has been obtained and make recommendations to the AHTT prosecutors regarding resolution of primarily anti-human trafficking cases.
- Drafts appropriate legal documents and correspondence, including but not limited to notices of alleged violation, notices of hearing, settlement agreements, letters of proposed license denial, motions, agreed orders, exceptions to proposals for decision, warning letters, and case closing letters.
- Stays up to date on the status of assigned AHTT 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 to inquiries about AHTT enforcement cases, from inside and outside the agency. Also responds to inquiries regarding AHTT’s enforcement procedures and policies. Responds to such inquiries both orally and in writing, on a daily basis.
- Docket cases for administrative hearings, including Emergency Order hearings. Assists the AHTT attorneys in preparing for hearings. Schedules witnesses and helps prepare them for testifying, organizes documentary evidence, and prepares exhibit lists, trial notebooks, and other tools used by the AHTT attorneys.
- 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 AHTT attorneys and assists as needed.
- Assists the AHTT attorneys in negotiating settlements of AHTT enforcement cases.
- Assists the AHTT attorneys in managing a high-volume caseload that are primarily human-trafficking related cases but may also include cases under all of the statutes administered by TDLR.
- Conducts internet research as needed to identify and obtain background information about individuals, business entities, properties, and events.
- 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 Legal Team Manager and the Director.
- Consistently provides friendly, caring and professional customer service.
- Complies with division and/or agency training requirements.
- Demonstrates a spirit of teamwork, 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 Team Manager and the Director.
Minimum Requirements
Five (5) 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; performing legal research; and conducts 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:
Army 27D, Navy LN, Marine 4400, Air Force 5JOX1
Remarks
The successful candidate will have: Knowledge of legal practices and terminology, and of basic legal concepts. Knowledge of basic investigative methods, rules of evidence, and agency policies and procedures relevant to investigations and enforcement; and of administrative law proceedings and the associated legal documents. Skill in the use of computers and applicable software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Adobe and SharePoint; 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 electronic 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.
How to Apply
Applications may be downloaded through TDLR’s website https: www.tdlr.texas.gov/employ.htm. Only Email or fax applications accepted. Email [email protected] or fax 512.475.3377. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume in lieu of application will be rejected. Additionally, an application with “see resume” within the summary of experience is considered incomplete and will be rejected. Submit a copy of degree if in lieu of experience/skills requirement. To receive Military Employment Preference for any position, submit a copy of the DD214 or DD1300 with application.
This job is covered from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
TDLR provides a total compensation package that enables us to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented employees, including a merit system, full use of salary ranges, performance awards, retention and recruitment bonuses. TDLR participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TDLR will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the application, contact TDLR Human Resources at 512-463-7184. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation.