Paralegal - Public Information (Immediate Opening)

Paralegal

Mission:

The Paralegal supports the Governance team. The Paralegal is responsible for managing sizable, complex or non-routine public records requests and reviewing court-based document requests on behalf of the Legal Affairs Team.

The Paralegal ensures that IDEA and its affiliated entities meet all required legal and compliance requirements for processing requests, in addition to providing clear expectations, timelines, and correspondence to internal teams who must provide information.  Moreover, he/she keeps clear tracking mechanisms on the number of requests, due dates, and status of each request.

The Paralegal is able to review requests and make determinations and draft communication on needs for clarification, cost estimate letters, and (when necessary) letters to the attorney general related to records that may be confidential or protected in addition to drafting email responses on behalf of the In-House General Counsel based on inquiries from school-based employees.  This individual possesses knowledge and expertise on the laws related to open records and FOIA, generally. Additionally performs job functions and oversight related to answering subpoenas and governmental requests for various records.

The Paralegal reports directly to the In-House General Counsel.

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

·          Travel within the Region throughout the year as necessary.

·          Travel to IDEA training events or step-back may be required.

·          This role works remotely when not traveling and visiting campuses.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

·          Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, and make appropriate redactions as necessary; compile data and information for reports; compose letters and memoranda; explain policies and procedures.

·          Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

·          Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

·          Ability to work with and meet required deadlines utilizing time management for both compliance and strong customer service with internal teams for providing records.

·          Ability to gather and analyze research data such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.

·          Ability to review mail to IDEA Headquarters to support timely follow-up on legal needs.

·          Ability to support the Legal Affairs team with managing the collection and production of documents in connection with litigation.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

·          Ability to efficiently organize, prioritize, schedule, and manage daily work activities, tasks, and assignments.

·          Ability to perform other clerical duties such as filing, and compiling correspondence.

·          Ability to draft and co-lead trainings on public information requirements for staff members.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This individual is able to gather relevant information, consider various options, and make choices that are in line with their current responsibilities and the team’s goals. 

• Manage Work and Teams: This individual focuses on managing their own work effectively. They develop skills in time management, task prioritization, and self-organization, ensuring that they meet their personal objectives and contribute effectively to their teams.

• Grow Self and Others: This individual actively seeks feedback, embraces challenges as learning opportunities, and engages in professional development activities to enhance their own skills and performance.

• Build a Culture of Trust:  This individual focuses on awareness of their own emotional states and biases. They practice transparency and honesty in their interactions, contributing positively to team morale and trust.

• Communicate Deliberately: This individual can express ideas clearly and listen actively. They practice direct communication in their daily interactions and can adjust message based on immediate feedback and audience understanding with support.

Additional Skills:

·          Knowledge of Public Records Law and requirements.

·          Skill in the use of office equipment including computers and various software applications.

·          Skill in research including Internet usage.

·          Able to interpret legal documents, such as subpoenas and affidavits for records, to ensure the organizational releases appropriate and complete documentation timely

·          Ability to build systems and structures internally to retrieve information from various stakeholders to meet needs of external requesting parties

·          Possesses strong and sound judgement on nature and impact of records request to collaborate with communications, legal, and leadership team members

·          Ability and demonstrated knowledge of technicalities of redactions for privilege, FERPA, or other confidential, protected information

·          Ability to manage large scale data, such as written correspondence/multimedia review, for appropriate release

Required experience:

·          Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s degree in Office Administration, Business, or other related field.

·          Paralegal certification

·          3-5 years of administrative experience

·          Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe and a system like Dropbox

Preferred experience: 

·          Experience in public records, records management, records compliance, or legal environment preferred.

·          Experience with audio/video software preferred.

Physical Requirements:

·          This is a sedentary position.

·          The ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.

·          The employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $58,400 and $67,200, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA, we use our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values