Attorney II (Civil) – County Attorney – 0715-1130
Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: COUNTY ATTORNEY
Job Number: 23-01576
Closing Date: 2/12/2023 11:59 PM Central
SUMMARY
Performs routine civil legal services involving either litigation or non-litigation issues in the Nueces County Attorney’s office.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following:
Perform legal research necessary for legal issues involving civil litigation or non-litigation issues affecting the county (election laws, public information, labor and employment law, contracts, right-of-way land acquisition, eminent domain, etc.). 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 civil defense cases including but not limited to §1983 claims, Title VII claims, or Texas Tort claims.
May litigate Child Protective Services cases, Protective Order cases, or involuntary commitment cases, including conference with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services representatives, victims, family members, social workers, doctors, law enforcement and other witnesses.
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.
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 supervise clerical or secretarial staff on the processing of assigned cases(s), legal issues, or contracts.
May assist in training subordinate attorneys.
May compile statistical reports and/or utilize the computer to process, retrieve and disseminate information.
May monitor bond forfeiture docket and, where appropriate, litigate cases before the court, seeking default judgments, abstracts and execution on judgments.
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.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school and at least 18 months of work experience as either: an attorney, preferably in civil law; or a paralegal in a civil law firm or a County Attorney’s office handling non-criminal matters.
Knowledge of the following areas is preferred: Child Protective Services procedures and law; Protective Order procedures and law; Condemnation, Probate and Property law and related litigation; personal injury defense; civil rights and employment litigation; State and Federal civil procedure and evidentiary rules, including knowledge specifically required for litigation; and State and Federal appellate practice and procedure.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: A license from the Texas State Bar to practice law in the State of Texas is required. A license to practice in Federal District Court is desirable.
Texas Operator’s Drivers License.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of judicial principles and of civil law and procedures including constitutional and statutory law.
Depending upon assignment, may require any combination of the following specific knowledge areas: Texas Family Code; and Texas Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Tort Claims Act, Texas Property Tax Code and/or real estate, construction, general contracts and public law. Ability to analyze and appraise facts, procedures and legal precedents affecting complex court cases or legal issues in various areas of specialty.
Ability to present facts and precedents effectively in writing in moderately complex cases.
Good judgment and management abilities. Familiarity with general investigative techniques.
Ability to make persuasive presentations in court and before juries.
Ability to conduct complex legal research and to apply negotiating skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees and officials, court personnel, other attorneys and the general public.
For more information and to apply for this job, please click on the following link to be redirected to the Nueces County website.