Staff Attorney – Criminal Concentration

Position Overview:

This position is an on-site, in person position that provides legal assistance for the District Court Judges, the Court Administrator and administrative staff. The staff attorney may advise in matters of law arising from the operation of courts and relations of courts and the court administrator and to other governmental agencies or entities. The position is an in-house, general counsel position with a focus on the Government Code, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, the Rules of Judicial Administration, criminal law and the felony division. The fast-paced and varied nature of the felony courts necessitates in person work. Staff counsel must be available to attend court or appear in chambers for assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal assistance to the Judges of the District Courts as they may request. This assistance includes being physically available to attend court or come to chambers to discuss a pending matter. While a judge of any division may ask for assistance, the concentration will be primarily on the felony division.
• Assist in the preparation of jury instructions and furnish legal authority for such charges when asked.
• Assist in direct and in-direct contempt actions, as requested by the judiciary. This assistance includes attending court proceedings as requested.
• Provide ethical guidance and updates to the Judges of the District Courts and to the staff of the administrative offices. This includes CE / CLE updates on matters of ethics and judicial administration.
• Review recent Federal and State decisions that affect the jurisprudence of, and are of interest to, the District Courts.
• Assist in preparation of various forms for general court use.
• Assist in preparation of rules for practice and procedure in the District Courts.
• Attend meetings of the district judges, as requested, and provide legal support in those meetings, as requested.
• Review, track and report on pending and enacted legislation as it pertains to the practice and procedure in the District Courts.
• Assist in preparation of bills that the District Courts deem advantageous for consideration by the legislature and enactment into law.
• Assist the District Courts in matters of law that arise concerning other agencies that affect the operation of the District Courts.
• Assist in responding to Rule 12 requests (the judicial equivalent of public information requests).
• Request legal representation for the judiciary from the Attorney General’s Office when a district judge is sued, and from the county attorney’s office when the suit involves a county employee.
• Provide legal assistance to the District Court Administrator on matters of form and procedure.
• Other duties as designated by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judge’s designee.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of the judiciary to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

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 ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Education andExperience:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Shall be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law.
• Minimum of five (5) first degree felony trials (tried to completion), or five (5) substantive felony briefs (briefs other than Anders briefs), or two (2) years of experience as a judge, magistrate or hearing law officer.
  • Substantially equivalent experience as a government attorney, a judicial law clerk, or an attorney to an elected or appointed official will be considered.
• Demonstrate ability in legal research and writing.

• Shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

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 butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume"will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization desirable.
• Preference for board certification in criminal law or criminal appellate law.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time

• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
  • Plus, benefits

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.