Paralegal

General Summary:

The General Litigation Expunction Unit Paralegal provides specialized paralegal support to the General Litigation Division by handling both Misuse of Identity expunction matters and general expunction tasks. Duties include screening phone calls from potential misuse-of-identity victims, attorneys, Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs), and law enforcement agencies; researching criminal records and files to determine whether misuse of identity or clerical errors have occurred; drafting and filing petitions and orders; and completing all required expunction compliance steps. The position also assists the Expunction Unit with regular expunction screening, preparation, and compliance tasks. Working under the General Litigation Supervising Chief and Division Chief, the paralegal ensures accurate, timely processing of expunctions and supports the division with additional litigation-related duties as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Screen calls and inquiries related to Misuse of Identity and general expunction matters (Includes communication with victims, attorneys, ADAs, and law enforcement.)
• Research criminal records and documents for misuse determinations and expunction eligibility (Includes review of criminal histories, court records, and identifying clerical errors.)
• Draft and prepare expunction petitions, orders, and associated filings for submission in civil courts (misuse and regular expunctions)
• Complete expunction compliance, including redaction, data correction coordination, and verification of agency compliance (Coordinates with DPS, the Sheriff’s Office, and ADAs to ensure accurate data correction and expunction completion.)
• Assist the General Litigation Division and Expunction Unit with additional administrative and litigation-support duties as needed (Provides general paralegal support to the division.)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of criminal justice procedures and records.
• Skill in database research (e.g., JWEB, TCIC/NCIC, eFile systems).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in legal drafting and compliance documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze records and identify clerical errors.
• Ability to quickly understand the law and misuse expunction procedures.
• Ability to work independently, and in coordination with law enforcement and attorneys.

Required Education:

• Associate degree and paralegal certificate; or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies
• Preferred 2-year experience in criminal law or knowledge in the criminal justice system.

Hours:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.

Salary (Starting):

• $ 31.54 hourly/ $65,603.20 annually

Benefits:

Harris County offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for regular (full-time) employees, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Wellness programs
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ten (10) days of vacation per year during the first five years of service (increases with tenure)
• Eleven (11) County holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care and Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Additional benefits may be available to regular full-time and eligible part-time employees:

• Retirement pension through the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance through the Metro Ride Sponsor Program

Application Notice:

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual status updates. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a recruiter. We sincerely appreciate your interest in joining our team.