Description:
General Description:Performs routine legal representation as a court appointed attorney for indigent clients. Work involves examining and preparing legal documents, rendering legal advice and counsel, conducting hearings, and assisting in preparing cases for trial; May train others; Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Examples of Work Performed:
- Advises staff and the public on legal matters and the interpretation and application of County laws and regulations
- Prepares legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals, and reports
- Conducts or assists in conducting administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings
- Negotiate settlements on behalf of assigned clients
- Researches points of law involved in hearings to determine the validity and completeness of cases cited
- Investigates alleged law violations and prepared reports of findings
- Review cases to determine if pretrial motions must be filed
- Assists in preparing cases for court trial and in representing the County in matters before court as appropriate
- Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions, by such means as interviewing witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case
- Represents clients in court for misdemeanor cases; may represent clients in court for felony cases
- May draft or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration
- May provide research for policy and process questions
- May serve as a liaison with complainants to be represented in an administrative hearing or with their authorized representatives
- May train others
- Performs related work as assigned
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctorate (JD) degree
- Minimum 0-3 years of experience practicing law with litigation experience
- Member must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
Certificates, Licenses and Registration:
- Must possess a license to practice law in the State of Texas
- Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license
- Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; and of laws, regulations, and rules related to the County
- Ability to comprehend and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details
- Ability to work effectively with others as well as work independently, without close supervision
- Ability to conduct hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, and to communicate effectively
- Bilingual (Spanish and English) with ability to converse fluently in both languages
- Employee may be assigned other duties in addition to those listed; duties may change according to the changing needs of the County
