Staff Attorney - Family / Juvenile Concentrated

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

Position Description

Position Overview:

This position is an on-site position that provides legal assistance for the District Court Judges, the Court Administrator and administrative staff. The staff attorney operates as part of a small legal team, providing advice on matters of law arising from the operation of courts as well as offering guidance on the relationships between the courts and with other governmental agencies. The position is an in-house, general counsel position with a focus on the Government Code, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, and the Rules of Judicial Administration, supporting the family and juvenile divisions. The fast-paced and varied nature of the family and juvenile 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 family and juvenile divisions.
• Assist in the preparation of jury instructions and furnish legal authority for such charges when asked.
• Assist in direct and indirect 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.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx