Assistant County Attorney -Defensive Litigation Division-Federal Civil Rights(§ 1983 Defense)-Hybrid
Position Description
General Summary:
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is hiring an attorney to join our Defensive Litigation Division which represents the nation's third largest county, its elected officials, and 18,000 employees in state and federal litigation. We defend suits ranging from state tort actions to federal civil rights suits, and other unique and imaginative cases. This attorney will have the opportunity to refine their civil litigation skills from case inception through discovery and motion practice, trial, and appeal. This position has an emphasis on federal civil rights litigation, although state litigation practice may also be required.
In addition to the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, the selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program, which currently allows employees to work from home a few days per week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- First and second chair litigation assignments.
- Represents parties in litigation cases from intake through final judgment including trials and/or appeals as needed.
- Advises clients.
- Manages all aspects of assigned litigation such as drafting answers, issuing and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, motions practice to include dispositive motions, and other necessary court documents.
- Remains current on applicable caselaw and ethical obligations.
- Conducts research assignments.
- Presents or defends witnesses and evidence at administrative hearings, depositions, court hearings, mediation, and trial.
- Develops exhibits and witnesses for use in dispositive motions.
- Develops and maintains relationships with clients (including elected officials, individual employees and agency representatives), courts and court staff, the public and other work groups related to assigned cases.
- Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
- Makes use of technology and other legal tools.
- Responds promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
- Participates in one-on-one sessions with the supervisor and/or manager to give and receive feedback.
- Participates in Division staff meetings.
- Encourages and mentors attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Other Duties:
- This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
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 [email protected].
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Supporting Job Application Documents:
Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume with three (3) professional references, and at least one (1) writing sample with their application.
Education and Experience Requirements:
A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
Must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing law, with an emphasis on handling federal cases.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent research, writing, and courtroom skills.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
- Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Westlaw, and Adobe.
- Motion practice experience.
- Experience conducting discovery.
- Knowledge rules of civil procedure and evidence.
- Analytical skills to include ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses.
- Ability to exercise good judgment.
- Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
- Ability to organize and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
- Ability to comply with office policies and training requirements.
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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
