Paralegal Specialist

Weekly Work Hours

Compensation Range

Salary Minimum

FLSA

Position Type

The Paralegal Specialist provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to the General Counsel and the legal team. This position is responsible for conducting legal research, drafting and analyzing legal documents, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with Dallas College policies and applicable laws and regulations. The Paralegal Specialist also serves as the Public Information Officer, handling requests under the Texas Public Information Act, and supports the administration of Dallas College elections.

• Legal Acumen: Knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and methodologies of legal proceedings and contract law, including Texas Public Information Act and election laws.

• Research & Drafting: Proficiency in performing legal research and drafting legal documents, contracts, and memoranda.

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Experience working with contract management platforms and ensuring compliance with contract terms.

• Public Information Expertise: Demonstrated ability to manage and respond to requests under the Texas Public Information Act with accuracy and efficiency.

• Election Administration: Knowledge of Texas election laws and procedures applicable to Dallas College Board of Trustees elections and related responsibilities.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and maintain effective relationships.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy in proofreading and preparing legal documents.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), Microsoft Office, and contract lifecycle management tools.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage a high-volume workload independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Normal physical job functions are performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration or Legal Studies); OR

• Associate degree in paralegal studies or certificate of completion from an ABA-approved paralegal certification program; OR

• At least 60 semester hours of college credit toward a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• Official transcripts required.

• Three (3) years of experience as a paralegal, including at least one year of specialized experience handling open records requests or election administration.

• Certification as a Texas Notary or the ability to obtain certification promptly.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

• Familiarity with legal research tools and contract management platforms.

• Experience in higher education or public sector entities preferred.

***Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support attorneys in preparing legal opinions, briefs, and documentation.

• Draft, review, and finalize legal documents, including contracts, memoranda, and compliance reports.

• Manage and organize case files, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

• Track relevant deadlines, ensuring timely communication to attorneys and stakeholders.

• Draft, review, and revise contracts, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Communicate with internal departments to gather necessary information for contract reviews and resolutions.

• Maintain comprehensive records of contracts and related correspondence.

• Analyze and respond to Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests, including preparing correspondence and redactions.

• Coordinate with internal departments to gather responsive information and ensure timely responses.

• Develop resources and training to ensure compliance with TPIA practices across Dallas College.

• Under the direction of the legal team, plan and oversee Dallas College elections, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.

• Coordinate polling locations, oversee marketing and outreach for elections, and process candidate filings.

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Dallas County Elections Department.

• Support attorneys with various legal tasks and special projects as assigned.

• Represent the Office of General Counsel in institutional committees and governance meetings as required.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. We recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to our success. We are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,

veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.