| Job Title: | ATTORNEY IV |
| Grade: | A-09 |
| Job Type: | Full-Time, Regular |
| Office / Department: | Criminal District Attorney’s Office |
| FLSA: | Exempt |
| Civil Service Status | Excluded |
Summary:
Under general direction, is responsible for supervising support staff and Attorney I, II and III’s; prepares and tries cases with little oversight or direct supervision; has extensive knowledge of rules of civil procedure and appellate procedure in state and federal courts; represents County as defendant in civil litigation; conducts legal research; negotiates settlements; and performs related duties as required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manages asset forfeiture case-load
- Supervises support staff in the operational aspects of preparing pre-trial hearings and cases
- Provides assistance and guidance to Attorney I, II and III’s in preparation of defense and legal strategy
- Supervises outside private counsel for defense of certain County litigation matters
- Consults with and expert witnesses, insurance representatives, Elected/Appointed Officials and/or Department Heads on issues related to litigation
- Participates in pre-trial hearings and tries cases as lead counsel in state and federal courts
- Responds to motions and briefs in state and federal courts
- Researches statutory and case law
- Prepares witnesses for deposition and trial testimony
- Evaluates factual legal claims and develops strategies to support defense of County with little direction/oversight
- Negotiates settlements with parties involved in litigation in consultation with County representatives
- Prepares, reviews and approves legal documents
- Acts as senior legal advisor for Commissioners Court and all other County elected/appointed officials
- Performs related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, and licensed to practice for at least fifteen (15) years with extensive experience litigating in state and federal court including two year supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Considerable knowledge of the civil and criminal justice systems; considerable knowledge of case law; knowledge of law enforcement operations; knowledge of medical and engineering terminology
- Skill in supervising employees; skill in legal research; skill in negotiation; skill in making presentations; skill to communicate effectively with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to operate personal computer; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside agencies and the general public
- Must be licensed to practice in the State of Texas and must be licensed in federal court with demonstrated history of professional practice
- Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
- Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
- May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
Constantly working in indoor conditions
Occasionally moves items weighing up to 15 pounds
Occasionally moves about the office
Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
Positions self to perform essential functions
Must be able to remain in a stationary position
| SECTION | UNIT |
| Civil Division | Litigation Attorney |
Under general direction, performs legal work for Bexar County as a member of the Civil Division of the Office of the Criminal District Attorney and is responsible for any of the following: preparing and trying civil cases; supervising support staff; representing County as plaintiff or defendant in civil litigation; conducting legal research; drafting and negotiating settlements; advising County officials on employment matters
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represents Bexar County in a variety of legal proceedings in state and federal court, including but not limited to Civil Service Commission hearings
- Prepares, reviews and approves legal documents including, but no limited to, trial and appellate petitions, motions, and briefs
- Provides both pre- and post-litigation legal advice and counsel to Commissioners Court, Coliseum Advisory Board, all other elected and appointed County officials and County departments and offices
- Handles employment disciplinary advisories, civil service appeals, and grievances/arbitrations under the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Manages asset forfeiture case-load
- Manages civil litigation caseload as lead attorney
Minimum Qualifications:
- Highly skilled in persuasive oral and written advocacy; a demonstrated record of state and federal court litigation; skill in operating personal computers and other basic office equipment; skilled in developing proficiency in basic and advanced software and programs utilized to manage caseloads and related information; skill in making presentations utilizing technological solutions
- Ability to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct as an attorney representing the State of Texas and Bexar County; ability to supervise support staff in the technical aspects of preparing legal briefs and correspondence to ensure accuracy and professional correctness; ability to establish and maintain professional, effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, appointed and elected County officials, outside agencies and the general public
Preference:
Prior experience in defending governmental entities or employers in employment/labor proceedings