Open Records Legal Assistant

Job title:  Legal Assistant Open Records        2 positions

Legal Assistant III

Posting: 0118-24                                         

Opening Date: January 30, 2024

Closing Date: Until filled

Location: North Campus, 1106 Clayton Lane Austin, TX 78723

PO BOX 12157, Austin, TX 78711              

PH: 512.431.463.7184                                  

FAX: 512.475.3377                                         

Yearly Salary: B20  $54,000- $58,250

Division: General Counsel/ Transparency and Records Accountability

Remote Work: Hybrid (Austin office with remote work opportunities)

Job Description

The Open Records Legal Assistant is selected by and responsible to the Deputy General Counsel and the Senior Open Records Attorney.  The Open Records Legal Assistant performs highly complex legal assistant work in evaluating requests for public information, gathering responsive documents, drafting correspondence, making determinations of confidentiality, and assisting in requests for attorney general determinations.  Work also involves assisting in the development, review and evaluation of program guidelines, policies and regulations; researching and analyzing legal sources such as statutes and case law for the purpose of developing effective administrative practices and procedures; and providing written and verbal interpretation of rules, statutes, policies and procedures to constituents, local municipalities, associations and state and federal agencies.  The Open Records Legal Assistant works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties

  • Receives, conducts intake, and processes requests for public information, ensuring that responsive documents are gathered, and public information requests are timely filled in accordance with section procedures and processes in coordination with the Open Records Attorney or designee.
  • Reviews records, identifies confidential information, marks confidential information for redaction, and applies redactions in accordance with established procedures.
  • Coordinates and manages the timelines for responding to public information requests in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act under the direction of the Open Records Attorney or designee.
  • Prepares, reviews, and drafts correspondence and briefs to be filed with the Office of the Attorney General related to public information requests.
  • Coordinates, assembles, and prepares responses to public information requests, including cover sheets for responsive documents.
  • Drafts correspondence to requestors and the Office of the Attorney General. Responds to requests as needed.
  • Drafts and tracks public information cost estimates as needed.
  • Participates in the development and delivery of training to staff, advisory boards or other interested parties on compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
  • Provides written and verbal interpretation of rules, statutes, policies, and procedures to assist the Open Records attorney in responding to constituent, local municipalities, associations, and federal and state agencies inquiries.
  • Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes, case law, Texas Attorney General opinions, and expunction court records.
  • Coordinates, evaluates, and maintains recordkeeping system for public information requests and associated files and documents.
  • Assists in preparing open records and expunction files for destruction in accordance with agency records retention policies and procedures.
  • Prepares periodic reports, special reports and implements special projects, ensuring reports and projects are accurate and completed within guidelines and timeframes as needed.
  • May assist with other legal assistant duties in the Office of the General Counsel related to contested cases, collections, bankruptcy matters, rule filings, litigation, and agency records management.
  • May assist General Counsel staff with projects, reports, and agenda support materials.
  • 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 Open Records Attorney(s) 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 related work as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Two (2) years’ experience performing legal assistant work is required with preference for experience involving the Texas Public Information Act.  Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent required.  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.  Certification as a legal assistant or paralegal preferred. 

Military Occupation Specialty Code:

Army 27A, 27 D, Navy LN, Marine 4400, 4421, Air Force 510JX

Remarks

The successful candidate will have: Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and of other statutes and rules enforced by the Department, and of the legislative process.  Knowledge of office management and administrative procedures. Knowledge of legal terminology; of research methods and techniques; and, of administrative procedures. Skill in understanding and processing information; in the use of office equipment; and, in the use of computers and applicable software including MS Office and Adobe. Ability to communicate effectively, effectively expressing difficult legal and administrative concepts; to conduct research; and, to draft, prepare and interpret legal documents and evaluate findings.

How to Apply

Applicants 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. 

Only interviewed applicants will receive notice of the final disposition of the selection process.

This job is not covered by 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