BASE PAY: $85,000 annual with excellent retirement and health insurance
Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume by email to Wharton County Attorney Trey Maffett to the attention of Donna Zahn at [email protected].
SUMMARY
The Wharton County Attorney’s Office is a small office, overseeing a range of legal matters including felony and misdemeanor juvenile cases, protective orders related to family violence, representing the Department of Family and Protective Services, and handling all civil issues pertinent to the county. Additionally, we collaborate with the district attorney’s office, offering support in misdemeanor and felony prosecutions as needed.
Currently, we seek an attorney with proficiency in criminal and/or civil representation or is strongly motivated to learn on the job. This office provides a friendly work environment and enjoys the opportunities that come with providing public service to the citizens of Wharton County and our employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform legal research necessary for legal issues involving civil and criminal litigation or non-litigation issues affecting the county.
Prepare written legal advisories as needed.
Screens and reviews cases, issues or contracts for legal and factual sufficiency and directs the gathering of additional information.
Conducts investigations and negotiations to determine best court or non-court action under the circumstances.
Prepares cases for trial or prepares legal questions or issues for other final legal disposition.
May litigate Child Protective Services cases, Protective Order cases, or involuntary mental commitment cases, including conference with various agency representatives, victims, family members, social workers, doctors, law enforcement and other witnesses.
May advise various county boards, including Commissioners Court, Bail Bond Board; Attend Board Meetings, Advice Regarding Open Meetings Act Researches and briefs areas of the law specifically related to the cases(s) or issue and to any potential appeal.
Takes depositions, drafts and responds to discovery documents and assures the issuance or creation of related legal documents including subpoenas, motions and other related documents.
May Handle Public Information Requests or County Department Heads and Officials, to include evaluating documentation of disclosure and preparing and submitting necessary papers to Attorney General.
May provide legal services to state officials, such as District Attorney, District Court Judges, confers with supervisor, clients, opposing attorneys, witnesses and other parties concerning discovery, preparation of legal documents and matters germane to case litigation or other appropriate disposition.
Responds to correspondence from clients and/or other persons making inquiry to or requesting information from the department.
Assists clerical and legal secretarial staff as needed.
May represent County Attorney in community gatherings/outreach.
Serves as a resource to other county departments on a variety of legal issues.
Presents cases before appropriate court and/or jury.
Drafts final orders, temporary orders, motions, or other court documents applicable to litigation of civil matters.
Performs such other duties as may be assigned.