Paralegal

JOB SUMMARY

Provides support to corporate governance and regulatory attorneys and other legal department team members by performing factual research, assembling filings, finalizing pleadings and associated attachments/exhibits, files documents with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), may monitor federal and state regulatory proceedings, calendars deadlines, and prepares materials for and attends ERCOT committee and Board meetings. This role assists in drafting legal documents, handles Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) case management, and administers annual ERCOT Membership Application and Agreement process and annual Membership meeting.
 

JOB DUTIES

• Understands the basic principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and learns how to apply them within the ERCOT culture.
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.
• Contributes to specific objectives and outcomes as directed.
   

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues and/or in making recommendations.
• Receives direction on daily work and detailed instructions on newly introduced and/or more complex assignments.
• Provides backup support for other paralegals and specialists within the department, which requires cross-training on other roles, functions, and responsibilities.

Corporate Governance Job Duties:
• Works closely with committee attorney, executives, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to review and finalize public committee materials for posting to ERCOT.com. Will be responsible for uploading and publishing public and executive session materials.
• Attends committee meetings and manages overseeing podium responsibilities during general and executive sessions Board meetings to facilitate seamless presentation of materials. Provides backup support to the primary paralegal responsible for presentation of materials during Board meetings.
• Prepares Market Notice regarding the annual ERCOT Membership Application process and calendars related deadlines.
• Coordinates and collaborates with ERCOT’s Market Rules team regarding deadlines and status of applications.
• Reviews, processes, and finalizes submitted Membership application. Manages the Membership email mailbox and responds by email or telephone to Membership applicants in a professional and timely manner. Escalates complex application issues to the responsible attorney.
• Liaises with ERCOT’s Treasury team regarding receipt of Membership application payment. May correspond with counsel who represent applicants on application issues and/or coordination of general application processing and/or payment.
• Assists with planning efforts for and attends ERCOT Annual Membership meeting, including collaboration with ERCOT’s Communications team, senior legal leadership, external speakers, and guests.
• May serve as primary point of contact for the administration of ERCOT’s Ethics Point program. Includes triaging incoming cases, coordination of assignment, and preparation of materials for presentation.

Regulatory Job Duties:
• Provides administrative support for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) matters, including calendaring, tracking, and coordination.
• Supports ERCOT’s regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Prepares pleadings, certificates of service, administrative law filings, requests for information (RFIs) and other legal documents.
• May perform factual and/or legislative research.
• Provides litigation and administrative law support to in-house attorneys and/or outside counsel firms.
• May use ERCOT’s document review platforms to perform document reviews and, including tagging records for responsiveness, privilege, and confidentiality.
• Prepares and coordinates ERCOT filings with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and federal government agencies.
• Communicates and coordinates with appropriate ERCOT personnel and external entities regarding the development and status of monitored proceedings in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Manages accurate and organized case files, protecting confidential information and ensuring timely compliance with legal filing requirements, in support of regulatory proceedings, administrative law, and litigation matters.
 

EXPERIENCE

• Requires minimum 2 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Requires high level of technical aptitude, including proficiency in legal software, case management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Requires ability to analyze, identify, and synthesize relevant issues, discern applicable laws, and apply recognized legal authority to solution of a matter
• Prefer exposure to and/or knowledge of processes related to conducting Board meetings, including familiarity with Diligent
• Prefer experience with proceedings at Public Utility Commission of Texas
• Prefer understanding of litigation procedures and ability to research court rules and report findings to attorneys
• Prefer familiarity with electronic discovery (eDiscovery) processes, including the identification, collection, and production of electronically stored information
• Prefer ability to adapt to changing circumstances and function well under pressure or in high stake situations
• Prefer knowledge or experience working on compliance matters, and/or experience working with Archer Governance, Risk and Compliance solution
   

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• Associate's Degree (Preferred)
• Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)
• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required
   

CERTIFICATION

• Paralegal Certification (Required)
   

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT.  Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time.

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range: