Overview

Position Title: ACA II E-DISCOVERY LITIGATOR

Company: City Of Houston

Location: Houston, Texas, US

Job Description:

The City of Houston seeks an attorney with e-Discovery experience to join the General Litigation Section.  The successful applicant is a team-oriented self-starter who will focus on e-Discovery in civil commercial matters and other complex litigation.  In addition to electronic document review, the successful applicant will prepare state and federal court pleadings, motions and discovery relating to e-Discovery as well as other litigation subject matters.

Responsibilities:

  • Extensive electronic document review and analysis in large document volume, complex litigation cases.
  • Coordinating with clients, information technology professionals and paralegals to identify, assemble, organize, evaluate and produce large document collections.
  • Advise attorneys and clients on best practices and procedures related to ESI identification, preservation, collection, processing, analysis, early case assessment, search, review and production in litigation and investigation matters.
  • Stay current on developing e-discovery law and procedures, including the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable state rules regarding discovery and apply those rules appropriately in matters.
  • Assist in designing defensible and cost-effective ESI discovery plans and protocols for all stages of a litigation or investigative matter.
  • Prepare discovery requests and objections to requests for production of ESI, including form of production specifications.
  • Prepare and negotiate ESI protocols and protective orders to protect privileged and confidential information in the discovery process, including Federal Rule of Evidence 502 and clawback orders.
  • Handling written discovery and motion practice in federal and state courts.
  • Researching and preparing trial court briefs and motions.
  • Taking and defending depositions of fact and expert witnesses.
  • Identifying experts and assisting in the development of expert testimony.
  • Representing the City and City employees in jury trials.
  • Evaluating case value and making settlement recommendations.
  • Preparing case memoranda and representing the City in mediations.
  • Supervising outside counsel.
  • Counseling the client departments, and training city employees on the enforcement or meaning of city ordinances and policies.
  • Handling administrative proceedings and court appearances.
  • Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions.
  • Drafting, reviewing or revising city policies.
  • Special projects as assigned by management.

Requirements:

  • Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
  • At least two (2) years of experience in the practice of general civil law, specialized municipal law or comparable legal experience are required.
  • Must be a member of the Texas State Bar on or about the first day of employment. If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and a condition of employment.
  • At least one (1) year of experience in electronic document review.
  • Experience with electronic document review databases and software such as Veritas, Relativity, and CS Disco.
  • Must be proficient with standard computer equipment, laptops and printers.
  • Must be generally familiar with all aspects of software interaction with network systems and business application systems.
  • Excellent oral advocacy skills.
  • Exceptional writing skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Familiarity with federal and state court judges and court practices and procedures.
  • Expertise with Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
  • Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demands.
  • Proficiency with Office 365 suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, and TEAMS, along with the use of contemporary technology in law practice.
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure/tight time constraints.
  • High aptitude for multi-tasking.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and effectively complete operational and project-based assignments.