Senior Paralegal / Contract Manager

Who is NTE, NTE 35W, and LBJ?

The North Tarrant Express (NTE) was the first design-build-finance-operate-maintain managed lanes project in Texas and consisted of the complete reconstruction of 13.3 miles of the existing I-820/SH-183 corridor between Dallas and Fort Worth. Since opening in October 2014, nine months ahead of the contracted completion date, the general highway lanes are experiencing a 70% decrease in congestion time and a 15% increase in average speed. This Cintra-led project has doubled capacity and significantly improved mobility along this heavily congested corridor that traverses the heart of six cities through Northeast Tarrant County.

The North Tarrant Express 35W (NTE 35W) project spans 16.8 miles from I-30 in downtown Fort Worth to Eagle Parkway at the north end of Alliance Airport. The project is operated and maintained by the Cintra-led consortium in North Texas. This project has improved mobility by adding additional road capacity through a combination of general highway lanes and continuous frontage roads, along with tolled express lanes that use variable pricing to keep traffic moving.

The LBJ Express (LBJ) is currently the largest P3 operation in Texas and one of the largest ever undertaken in the U.S. It is a regionally-significant transportation improvement project in North Texas that is relieving severe congestion in the dense urban area of north Dallas. In 2009, the Cintra-led consortium was selected to complete the design, construction, finance, operation, and maintenance of the project along I-635 and I-35E. Since opening in September 2015, the general highway lanes are realizing a 60% decrease in congestion time and a 10% increase in average speed.

What makes us different?

Our people come first. We want every single employee to develop both professionally and personally. With a strong focus on growth potential, we look to our internal employees as potential candidates for both national and international opportunities. We aim to achieve greatness by promoting from within every chance we get. We work hard and play hard and strive every day for success and achievement. With a diverse group of professionals working in a fast-paced environment, we achieve milestones constantly. And if that weren’t enough, we also offer our employees highly competitive insurance benefits, Paid Time Off, and a matching 401(k) program.

Job Description:

Summary: The Senior Paralegal / Contracts Manager is responsible for supporting the Company attorneys in Contracts Management, Contract Preparation, Compliance Reporting and Support, Claims and Litigation Support, and Board Support.  The Senior Paralegal/Contracts Manager will manage the Company’s Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system, maintain responsibility for all contract management, including drafting contracts, Change Orders, and other legal instruments.  The Senior Paralegal/Contract manager will also be responsible to drafting compliance policies and procedures, assisting with compliance audits and other compliance programs.  The Senior Paralegal will also be responsible for handling subpoenas and coordinating other requests for documents and information germane to litigation and claims management 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

·        Maintain contracts management system, including data entry, monitoring contracting progress, execution of contracts and report generation, interface with Document Management and Procurement

·        Assist in drafting contracts and related instruments, including interface with Department personnel (including Risk) for exhibit development

·        Monthly Contracts Report; Assist in Cintra RFP responses; Assist in ESG and other reporting requests; interface with EHSQ

·        VDR (virtual data room) management; assistance with certificates and disclosures; general support to outside counsel and department

·        Assist in claims investigation, draft Indemnification and Releases and Settlement documents

·       eDiscovery management, including document and email collection; Deposition preparation and summaries, including deposition exhibit binders’ development; assist attorneys in research and general assistance

·        Assist with investigations, document support, interviews, transcripts

·        Assist in video file requests, records subpoenas and trial subpoenas; Communicate and coordinate with local police departments, law firms, individuals concerning claims/requests for information.

·        Coordinate with internal departments to manage PIA/FOIA and subpoenas for criminal investigations. 

·        Document production, including redactions, PCI and unrelated party information; Bates-label index; Draft Affidavits and Declarations and review draft subpoenas, ORR/FOIA requests; prepare draft responses to ORR/FOIA and subpoenas.

·        Research and manage filings, Release of Liens; conduct people/asset searches

·       Assist with Compliance Audit and Reporting and EY audits; Draft procedures/policies; Assist with Quarterly Meetings and Cintra Compliance Department projects; interface with EHSQ

·       Assist in management of Dilitrust documents; Assist in BOD meetings management; Assist in BOD documents development; Assist in BOD presentations development

·        Support the Legal Counsel and General Counsel with all administrative needs 

·        All other duties as assigned 

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities): 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to fulfil those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education & Experience: 

·        Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field required 

·        Certified Paralegal Credentials, Advanced Paralegal Certification, Professional Paralegal Certifications, Accredited Legal Profession, or a similar certification

·        Contract Management Certification

·        5-10+ years’ experience as a paralegal, legal secretary or legal assistant drafting and managing contracts  

Professional Qualities: 

·        Effective communication is essential for negotiating terms, explaining contract details, and collaborating with various stakeholders

·        Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance

·        The ability to manage multiple contracts and tasks simultaneously, keeping everything organized and on track

·        A solid understanding of legal principles and contract law to ensure all agreements comply with legal standards

·        The ability to analyze contract terms and conditions, identify potential risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them

·        The capability to address and resolve issues that arise during the contract lifecycle

·        Efficiently managing time to meet deadlines and handle the workload effectively

·        Building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, vendors, and colleagues

·        Familiarity with contract management software and other relevant technologies to streamline processes

·        Understanding the business context and objectives to align contract management with the company's goals

Computer Skills:  

·        Must be able to demonstrate computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Excel, Outlook calendar, Word and Power Point and other PC based programs 

Work Environment & Physical Demands: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

·        The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet 

·       Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus, as necessary to use a computer 

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  

·       The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit