Closing Date: 29th June, 2026

Description:

Position Summary:
The Legal Clerk (Attorney) provides professional legal support to the Presiding Judge of the 54th District Court by conducting legal research, analyzing case law, and assisting in the preparation and drafting of court orders and rulings. This position performs highly responsible professional legal work requiring independent judgment, discretion, and a thorough understanding of Texas law and court procedures.

Essential Functions:

Conduct legal research and analysis on matters pending before the 54th District Court, including civil, criminal, and procedural issues
Review pleadings, motions, briefs, and evidentiary materials to identify legal issues and applicable authority
Prepare legal memoranda, case summaries, and bench briefs for the Judge's review
Draft orders, rulings, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and correspondence for judicial consideration
Analyze and summarize relevant Texas statutes, case law, and rules of procedure
Assist the Judge in preparation for hearings, trials, and other court proceedings
Provide legal recommendations based on research and analysis of complex legal issues
Assist in the preparation of jury instructions and supporting legal authority, as requested
Monitor developments in Texas law and provide updates relevant to court operations
Maintain strict confidentiality of all court records, proceedings, and judicial deliberations
Perform other duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge
Regular attendance and timeliness are required

Limitations and Disclaimer: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Minimum Requirements:
Education:

Required:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Licensure:
Required:
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Skills & Experience:
Required:

Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the practice of law, with demonstrated experience in legal research, analysis, and writing
Extensive knowledge of Texas statutes, case law, and rules of civil and criminal procedure
Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal research and synthesize findings into clear, concise written work
Strong legal writing skills, including the ability to draft memoranda, judicial orders, findings of fact, and conclusions of law
Ability to analyze and apply legal principles to complex fact patterns and make sound recommendations
Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, while receiving general supervision from the Presiding Judge
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced court environment
High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Preferred:

Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in the practice of law
Experience as a judicial law clerk, staff attorney, or in a court-related legal role
Experience drafting judicial orders, findings of fact, and conclusions of law
DISCLAIMER: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Supplemental Information:
All Employees

Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community
Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large
Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

Environmental Factors: While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to work under time pressures to meet deadlines; the employee must frequently change tasks, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and work closely with others as part of a team. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demand Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear
The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to find, handle, or feel objects, reach with hands and arms; stoop and kneel

Hours / Special Conditions: The position is part-time and will work approximately 10 hours a week between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.