Description:
Summary:Under administrative direction, is responsible for reviewing and responding to orders, legal correspondence and other correspondence to the District Court Judges; preparing legal documents; researching statutory and case law and performing special projects; answering questions; performing computer research and performs related duties as required
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Reviews and responds to orders and correspondence to the District Court Judges, District Clerk, and District Court Administration from Courts of Appeals, including Court of Criminal Appeals and the Western District of Texas as directed
- Prepares order on Applications for Post-Conviction, Pre-Conviction, and Community Supervision Writs of Habeas Corpus, including acquiring attorney affidavits, reviewing files and transcripts, requesting additional documentation necessary for comprehensive analysis of allegations in applications, and researching pertinent legal issues
- Monitors trial progress and responds to all requests from Judges
- Reviews and responds to legal correspondence to and from the District Court Judges
- Prepares orders and other legal documents for the District Court Judges
- Researches statutory and case law and performs other special projects as assigned
- Answers questions from outside agencies and the general public regarding legal issues and general court procedures
- Researches and drafts legislative proposals for District Court Judges to be presented at the Texas Legislature
- Researches legal issues as requested by the Judges using all available resources. Research includes thorough review of case law and statutes, including but not limited to: Code of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Penal Code, Government Code, Transportation Code, Family Code, Health & Safety Code, and Rules of Professional Responsibility.
- Prepares legal memoranda advising Judges of pertinent law and analysis
- Assists any and all Court personnel with legal questions and research issues as needed
- Supervises Juvenile Courts Pre-Trial Services personnel and Criminal Courts Legal Interns
- Monitors weekly the CCA and Fourth Court of Appeals opinions for relevant decisions and case law updates, and advise District Court Judges accordingly
- Participates in interview process of legal interns. Supervises and trains legal interns to assist with responses to motions for Judgments Nunc Pro Tunc and Writs of Habeas Corpus. Reviews work of legal interns
- Advises Civil District Court Judges in all civil matters.
- Assists Court handling pro se litigants; answers legal/procedural questions, interprets court orders; responds to verbal/written requests for assistance regarding all pro se matters;
- Makes initial review of all files/matters involving pro se litigants ensuring procedural, substantive or evidentiary matters are in order; may assist in directing pro se litigants to correct court their assigned to;
- Reviews/responds to all inmate correspondence; reviews/processes requests for bench warrants; coordinates/monitors cases involving more litigious inmates and acts as contact for all parties; aids court moving such cases through system to resolution;
- Coordinates bail hearings process for persons arrested under capias requested by private lawyer; May consult with expert witnesses, insurance representatives, Elected/Appointed Officials and/or department heads on issues related to litigation.
- Represents Civil District Court Judges in mandamus proceedings, including preparing legal memoranda and briefs
- Advises Civil District Court Judges in contempt proceedings, including preparation of Show Cause Orders and Judgments of Contempt, and handles court appearances and hearings
- Performs special projects as assigned by the General Administrative Counsel
- Performs related duties as require
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and four (4) years practice in administrative, litigation, appellate law
- Knowledge of court system and courtroom procedures; knowledge of basic legal terminology; knowledge of basic office procedures
- Knowledge of the Family Code, Texas Property Code, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and Texas Rules of Evidence
- Skill in coordinating multiple tasks; skill in developing research methods and performing legal research; skill in operating personal computer and basic office equipment
- Ability to communicate with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to effectively respond to inquiries and complaints; ability to analyze and appraise facts, procedures and legal precedents affecting complex and simple cases; ability to maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, the public, co-workers, other County employees and Elected/Appointed Officials
- Must be licensed by the State of Texas to practice law
- Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
- Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
- May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek
