Assistant County Attorney (Harris County Housing Authority)

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Location: Houston, TX

Job Type: Regular Full-time

Department: County Attorney’s Office

Job Number: 09722

Closing: 3/8/2023 11:59 PM Central

Direct link to apply: Direct Application Link

Position Description

The Harris County Attorney’s Office is accepting applications from hard-working attorneys dedicated to public service who want to build their skills in a high-profile office with a focus on providing legal advice and counsel to Harris County elected and appointed officials or their department heads. The Assistant County Attorney that serves in this position will be responsible for providing general counsel services to the Harris County Housing Authority in connection the Authority’s duties under Chapter 392 of the Local Government Code, including activities to which the Authority is authorized to engage under other Local, State, and/or Federal laws and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides legal advice and counsel to the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Commissioners, Executive Officers, and, as needed, other employees and representatives of the Authority.
  • Provides legal advice concerning the Open Meetings Act.
  • Attends Board, staff, and other meetings
  • Negotiates the legal terms and drafts contracts, amendments, addendums, as well as real estate documents and transactions.
  • Investigates allegations of wrongdoing against, or by, the Authority, its Officers, Commissioners, and/or representatives.
  • Prepares oral and/or written reports and legal opinions.
  • Analyzes and/or prepares legislation and legislative materials and testifying in legislative proceedings.
  • Ensures compliance with Local, State, and Federal rules and regulations, and representing the Authority before regulatory or administrative bodies.
  • Collects sums owed to the Authority.
  • Responds to public information requests.
  • Manages outside counsel.
  • Encourages and mentors’ attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
  • Assists before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
  • Performs other legal services or duties as needed or as may be necessary.

Other Duties:

  • This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.
  • Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
 If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected].
 
 This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Supporting Job Application Documents:

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume with three (3) professional references, and at least one writing sample.

Education and Experience:

  • Applicants must have Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Excellent research, writing, and drafting skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate professionally and work in a collaborative group.
  • Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Microsoft Office 365, Westlaw, and PDF software.
  • Knowledge of policy development and review for compliance with local, state, and federal law.
  • Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
  • Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
  • Ability to comply with office policies and training requirements.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

  • Experience with real estate transactions preferred but not required.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Work Schedule:

  • This is a full-time position.
  • Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and holidays, as necessary.
  • Most HCAO employees currently work a hybrid schedule with scheduled days/hours in the office and scheduled days/hours from home.
  • Working from home requires that you have a dedicated workspace and reliable internet access. 
  • Employees may be asked to return to a full-time in-office schedule as required by management.

Work Environment:

  • This job typically operates in a professional office environment, and the attorney in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.

Physical Demands:

  • This is largely a sedentary role, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Compensation:

  • The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function.
  • Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.
  • In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
 
 Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Agency: Harris County

Address: 1310 Prairie Street, Ste. 240

Houston, Texas, 77002

Websitehttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx