GENERAL SUMMARY

 To perform responsible and complex legal research for the Office of General Counsel. Reports to the Vice President and General Counsel.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Law clerk/Intern will research legal documents to provide supporting evidence for a particular argument of a case.
• Prepares contracts, affidavits and other legal documents, as well as other relevant correspondence.
• Participates in calls as needed with outside counsel.
• Prepares drafts of motions or briefs, interviews witnesses, files documents with the court, assists attorneys with all phases of litigation, screens documents for privilege, assists in preparation for depositions, and performs complex legal research utilizing both written and electronic sources.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Houston Housing Authority organizational functions, and general operating policies and procedures.
• Good knowledge of secretarial practices and procedures, business English, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to efficiently and correctly operate common business machines, understand and follow oral and written instructions, perform routine duties without close supervision, deal effectively with the public, and establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees and observe Houston Housing Authority protocol.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize legal research tools.
• Organizational and time-management skills.
• Problem solving and decision-making skills.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• Reports to the Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
• The employee’s work is reviewed closely for adherence to policy and procedure requirements.
• Receives both written and oral instructions.
• Employee has no supervisory responsibilities.

GUIDELINES

• The employee performs routine duties by established procedure or referring to written guidelines, such as Authority handbooks, desk references and existing records.
• The guidelines cover most job-related situations, but the employee may occasionally be required to use independent judgment in making decisions.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The employee performs several related routine and generally repetitive tasks.
• The course of action is determined by the supervisor and by established procedures.
• The employee may coordinate, integrate and/or prioritize tasks. Work must be accurate and precise.
• The employee deals with departmental records.
• The   unauthorized   disclosures   of   such   information   could   result   in embarrassment to the housing authority.
• The   work   affects   numerous   residents, visitors  and   others seeking information or assistance.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• The employee has continuing contact with other Authority employees in all departments, residents, and the general public.
• Most contacts are structured in nature and the employee is expected to use normal tact and courtesy.
• Occasionally, a contact may be uncooperative or antagonistic and the employee may be required to use above-average tact and courtesy at such times.
• Failure to respond courteously and positively could adversely affect the public opinion of the Housing Authority.
• The purpose of such contact is to provide information or assistance, obtain information needed by the Housing Authority, make appointments, arrange schedules, resolve complaints and facilitate communications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee’s work is principally sedentary, but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling and crouching to obtain files, eye strain from working with computers and other office equipment, and some degree of stress, resulting from continuing contact with employees, residents and the public.
• The work of the incumbent involves the normal risks or discomforts associated with an office environment, but is usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted, and ventilated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must currently be enrolled as a law student.
• Ability to type 35 words per minute accurately. Basic computer data input.
• Ability to compose memorandum and letters.
• Bondable.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.