Attorney IV - County Attorney - 0717 - 11300

at  Nueces County

SUMMARY

Screens cases for legal sufficiency. Prepares, investigates, and litigates cases in County Court, District Court and Federal Court.
The employee is required to be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies, as directed by the Department Head.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include the following.
Screens and reviews cases, including complex or sensitive cases, to determine the legal and factual sufficiency of the case and directs the gathering of additional information.
Drafts pleadings, motions, and briefs for both state and federal court .
Confers with County Attorney, other supervisors, department heads, elected officials, community leaders, attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officials, victims, witnesses (including expert witnesses), the Department of Family and Protective Services and other parties concerning assigned cases.
Reads briefs and records of trials, legal analysis, and legal research to keep abreast of law in relevant areas.
Conducts investigations, negotiations, and mediation to determine recommendations for court action.
Prepares and tries civil cases in County Court, District Court, and Federal Court.
Research and briefs areas of the law specifically related to cases and to any potential appeal.
Prepares and argues appeals.
Negotiates with attorneys and the Department of Family Protective Services and confers with various agency representatives and various parties.
Assures the issuance or creation of related legal documents including subpoenas, motions, writs, warrants, discovery, and other related documents.
Responds to correspondence from persons making inquiry to or requesting information from the department.
Assists clerical and legal secretarial staff, victim assistance coordinators, witness coordinators, various county departments, and investigators as needed.
Utilizes the computer to process, retrieve, and disseminate information.
Interviews witnesses, victims, department heads and department employees and various experts’ preparation for trial.
Writes appellate briefs in state and federal court.
Litigates Child Protective Services cases.
Acts as counsel to County related to the administration of County ARPA [CSLFRF] funds, projects, and programs.
Participates in County meetings related to the administration of County ARPA [CSLFRF] funds, projects, and programs.
Reviews and develops contracts (sub-recipient awards, interlocal agreements, beneficiary agreements, contractor agreements) directly related to the administration of County ARPA [CSLFRF] funds.
Reviews and develops policies related to the administration of County ARPA [CSLFRF] funds, projects, and programs and oversee related hearings.
Researches and prepares advisories related to County ARPA [CSLFRF] funds.
Under the Supervision of the County Attorney, provides consultation to County for ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and other requirements related to the administration of the County ARPA [CSLFRF] program.
Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Any employee who drives a vehicle on official business must have a driving record which meets standards set by the County and the County’s insurance carrier.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school and preferably three years of work experience as an attorney.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, may be considered for current Nueces County employees only.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to top management and public groups.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of judicial principles and of civil law and procedures including constitutional and statutory law.
Specific knowledge areas regarding:
Texas Family Code; and Texas Rules of Evidence and 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.
Thorough knowledge of all judicial principles civil law and procedures, including constitutional as well as statutory law.
Ability to analyze and appraise facts, procedures and legal precedents affecting complex court cases in area of specialty.
Ability to present facts and precedents effectively in court and in writing in complex cases.
Familiarity with general investigative techniques.
Ability to direct others in law-related matters.
Ability to conduct complex legal research and to apply negotiating skills.
Ability to try major cases, including managing relationships with the public and the media.
Organizational skills which enable employee to handle large caseload in an efficient manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees and officials, court personnel, other attorneys, and the general public.

Assigns and reviews work of Legal Secretaries and Paralegals.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Nueces County policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; and resolving problems.