Attorney I, Commissioners Court

Performs a variety of complex, high level administrative, technical and professional work in prosecuting / conducting civil lawsuits, drawing up legal documents, advising county officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices other phases of applicable local, state and Federal law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Duties include the following :

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Advises the Commissioners Court of legal conditions and current and future trends; issues legal opinions.
• Attends meetings of Commissioners Court at which attendance may be required.
• Approves orders, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; provides legal advice as to substance.
• Drafts orders, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.
• Advises county officials of changes to state or Federal laws affecting county operations; interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for county officials and staff; assists departments to see that all federal, state and local laws are faithfully performed.
• Gathers evidence in civil cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action as they pertain to the county.
• Conducts research, interviews clients, and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for trial.
• Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case. Files brief with court.
• Represents county in court, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
• Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and county officials on specialized legal issues.
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations for decision-making purposes; coordinates with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provides professional advice to Commissioners Court and department heads; makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the public.
• Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the public. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget.
• Issues written and oral instructions and opinions; examines work products for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.

SECONDARY DUTIES

The Commissioners Court Attorney will also prosecute cases involving matters such as the following examples (not an exclusive list) :

Note : The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The Commissioners Court Attorney will primarily handle the Commissioners Court duties, however will provide back-up help to the functions of the Chief Civil Prosecutor, Child Protective Services Prosecutor, Juvenile Prosecutor, and Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Prosecutor. Additionally, all Assistant District Attorneys may be required to assist with other functions and duties within the office as assigned by their Supervising Attorney and / or the District Attorney. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year College or university and a J.D. (law) degree are required. The individual should possess a thorough working knowledge of law enforcement and court procedures and practices. Over three (3) years of experience is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

The individual must have a Texas Law license and be a member in good standing with the State Bar Association.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Requires frequent use of personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet programs; calculator, telephone, copy machine and fax machine.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and / or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

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