Description:
Summary:We are seeking a Litigation Attorney to join our team at the Williamson Central Appraisal District. This role is pivotal in managing legal matters related to property valuation and tax assessments and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations while supporting the district's mission of accurate property appraisal. This attorney will work closely with outside counsel on all lawsuits from beginning to end by ensuring all lawsuits are filed timely with the district court, request necessary discovery, prepare and review discovery responses, oversee informal negotiations, engage experts for appraisal reports and inspections, attend and monitor mediations, and draft motions and agreed judgments.
Responsibilities:
- Manage an assigned caseload independently.
- Review all new lawsuits for timeliness and content and track internally prior to sending them to outside counsel.
- Draft and review legal documents such as motions, pleadings, notices, and judgments.
- Draft and review all formal discovery responses.
- Request informal discovery from outside counsel.
- Review all docket control orders, scheduling orders, and Rule 11 agreements prior to approval.
- Maintain internal case files with information from outside counsel, deadlines set by the court, negotiation offers and agreements and periodically update the files with information from the Williamson County Court website.
- Timely engage appraisal experts for reports according to trial court deadlines.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with WCAD staff, outside counsel, property owners, and/or their attorneys.
- Prepare for and represent WCAD in court appearances and trials in Williamson County.
- Represent WCAD in administrative hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.
- Research, analysis, and advise on legal issues raised by other WCAD departments.
- Assist in reviewing Public Information Requests.
- Create new policies or amend existing policies to expand the in-house litigation department.
- Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to oversee caseload and meet deadlines.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in law, finance, business management, or a related field.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law. Licensed to practice in Texas.
- 3+ years civil litigation experience.
- Ability to manage a large caseload.
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to identify and analyze complex issues.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel.
- Knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence.
- Knowledge of the Texas Property Tax Code, legal requirements, and procedures, preferred.
