The Legal Contract Specialist provides legal and administrative support to the People, Education and Operations Section within the Legal Services Department, with an emphasis on serving as project lead on various departmental and institutional projects, and interacting effectively with attorneys and MD Anderson employees at all levels.This position coordinates activities relating to contracts, with an emphasis on Hotel & Special Event contracts and Education contracts; under supervision of legal officers, conducts basic negotiations on contracts as assigned; serves as project lead on departmental and institutional projects as assigned; under supervision of legal officers, handles other activities and duties, including basic document drafting, legal research, contact with state agencies and outside attorneys; participates on committees or provides committee support as assigned; schedules and attends meetings and conferences as requested by legal officers.This position also provides administrative support to a Senior Legal Officer, handling basic administrative tasks, complex secretarial projects (such as preparing lengthy contracts and major presentations), and research projects, utilizing independent judgment, initiative, high-level organizational skills and the ability to make decisions relative to efficient office operation.KEY FUNCTIONSLegal Professional1. Provides legal and administrative support for the legal officers by serving as the project lead on various departmental and institution projects as assigned, including both short-term and ongoing projects.2. Actively participates in staff meetings, providing feedback on problems and proposing resolutions.3. Serves as a resource for institutional personnel in the following manner:a. Researches questions and provides answers in a timely manner according to an agreed upon schedule.b. Organizes information and prepares reports for contract files or in connection with other departmental or institutional projects.4. Assists the legal officers by drafting memos and necessary documents for signature.a. Visually reviews files, gathers data and organizes material for response.b. Manually prepares drafts of documents utilizing word processing software.c. Completes drafts and revisions according to agreed-upon schedules.d. Circulates fully executed contracts and agreements to applicable workgroup, both within MD Anderson and outside the institution.e. Coordinates distribution of materials and archiving of file on closure.Legal Resource5. Organizes and maintains all contracts and subject files and assists as necessary.6. Maintains an independent caseload of contract projects, focusing primarily on education agreements; prepares drafts of contracts, other legal documents, and routine correspondence and office memoranda. Upon completion of draft, visually proofreads document. Proofreads and edits contracts and other legal documents, routine correspondence, and office memoranda for other People, Education and Operations support staff and legal officers as required.7. Obtains original or copies of records and other documentation from institutional departments and employees, outside agencies, and other attorneys.8. Physically organizes and sends records, files and documents to the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General and other state agencies, and offices of private attorneys (i.e., tab/organize materials, verify that correct and complete information was sent/received in timely fashion).9. Verbally communicates promptly and effectively with institutional clients, outside attorneys and other individuals who request conferences, contract drafting/review/negotiation, or other assistance in corporate and business matters; assists in responding to telephone messages and inquiries.10. As appropriate, physically attends meetings with institutional employees, assists in preparation for these activities and takes complete and accurate notes for follow-up activities.12. Organizes and maintains tickler file for contract review/renewal, long-term projects, and routine follow-up with institutional clients.OtherPerform other duties as assigned and required.
