Legal Specialist - Nursery, TX / Salary Grade 10

Description: The Legal Specialist provides administrative, organizational, and legal support to the Legal Department. This position supports contract administration, litigation and claims management, corporate governance, records management, regulatory filings, employment matters, board support, and general legal operations. The Legal Specialist serves as a key resource for maintaining legal documents, coordinating internal and external communications, monitoring deadlines, and supporting the efficient delivery of legal services throughout the Cooperative. This role requires strong organizational and time management skills, exceptional attention to detail, effective verbal and written communication, discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. The position also requires knowledge of legal terminology, legal procedures, and document management practices, as well as the ability to interact professionally with executives, employees, outside counsel, landowners, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Working Conditions: General office and sedentary. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator. Manual dexterity, ability to lift up to 25 pounds, ability to reach and bend using 2-step stool while safely lifting and lowering boxes. Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business-related events. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

Essential Functions: Prepare, revise, proofread, format, and distribute legal correspondence, memoranda, policies, agreements, presentations, and reports. Maintain legal files, records, databases, and document management systems in accordance with applicable retention requirements and Cooperative policies. Organize and maintain electronic and physical legal records to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and accessibility. Monitor legal department calendars, deadlines, and key dates. Coordinate meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements for legal department personnel. Assist with contract intake, routing, tracking, execution, and filing. Maintain contract databases and monitor contract expiration, renewal, and notice deadlines. Coordinate collection of signatures and distribution of fully executed agreements. Prepare standard contract forms and templates under attorney supervision. Maintain litigation and claims files. Coordinate with outside counsel regarding pleadings, discovery, invoices, and case-related documents. Assist with litigation hold notices and document preservation efforts. Track legal expenses and outside counsel invoices. Assist with gathering information and documents responsive to legal requests and discovery obligations. Assist with preparation and organization of board and committee materials. Maintain corporate records, resolutions, policies, and governance documents. Assist with employment-related investigations, personnel matters, and legal file maintenance. Maintain confidential employment law and personnel records. Support preparation of employment documents, notices, and legal correspondence under attorney supervision. Coordinate execution and retention of corporate documents. Assist with STEC policy revisions and document updates. Assist with preparation, organization, and retention of regulatory filings, reports, and supporting documentation. Maintain compliance calendars and assist with tracking regulatory deadlines. Support legal department initiatives related to legal, regulatory, and policy compliance. Maintain files relating to easements, rights-of-way, real estate transactions, and condemnation matters. Coordinate collection and organization of title reports, surveys, appraisals, and property records. Assist with landowner correspondence and document tracking. Respond to routine inquiries and direct legal requests appropriately. Process invoices, expense reports, and budget-related documentation. Performs other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned.

Requirements: Education High school diploma or equivalent required Associate's degree in paralegal studies, paralegal certificate, or equivalent legal education required; bachelor's degree preferred. Coursework or training in legal research, legal writing, civil procedure, contracts, business law, or related legal subject matter preferred. Experience 3 - 5 years' paralegal, legal assistant, law office, corporate legal department, contract administration, or closely related legal support experience. Experience with board governance, employment law, contracts, real estate, or regulatory compliance matters. License & Certification Valid Texas Driver License Paralegal certificate preferred Testing Criminal background check Non DOT drug test MVR OtherMS Office Programs Legal research, document management, case/matter management, and contract tracking systems preferred Confidentiality Agreement Notice of Equal Opportunity Employment We expect employees to be honest, trustworthy, and operate with integrity. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment) in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment status. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business. We fully consider all qualified applicants including those with a criminal history.