Career Path Attorney (DFPS)

TDCAA; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TDCAA is seeking a licensed attorney to prosecute and defend criminal and civil matters, with a primary focus on representing the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) in cases affecting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.

The role involves reviewing removal affidavits, preparing witnesses, litigating contested matters, and advocating for permanency plans in the best interests of children.

Qualifications

• JD degree required and Texas bar in good standing.
• Experience in relevant area of law essential.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations.
• Proficient verbal and written communication with courts, investigators and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Represent DFPS in legal proceedings involving child safety and welfare.
• Prepare witnesses for hearings and trials.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and responses.
• Negotiate to settle litigation and advise clients.
• Identify witnesses and present testimony in court.

Skills

Litigation

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Courtroom advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Salary: $3,324.23 - $4,612.51 Biweekly / $86,429.98 - $119,925.26 Annual

Please include a note in the body of the email that you are applying for the DFPS assignment.

Supplemental Questions: (MUST be submitted with your resume).

1. Describe any experience you have handling family matters.

2. Describe your experience in any other substantive areas of law.

3. Provide a written sample of your work (redacting any confidential information).

SUMMARY:

Licensed attorney who prosecutes and defends criminal/civil matters at various levels. Responsible for rigorous enforcement of criminal/civil laws in an ethical, honest, and just manner, handling matters of substantial complexity and gravity. Prepares and presents cases in court; investigates facts giving rise to legal issues, drafts written documents with significant legal implications; provides sound legal advice to individual or governmental clients. Exercises independent judgment under the general supervision of senior prosecutors while continuing to develop skills, knowledge, and expertise.

The primary duties of this position include representing the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) in legal proceedings involving the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. The attorney will review and present removal affidavits and emergency orders, prepare witnesses for hearings and trials, litigate contested matters, and advocate for permanency plans that serve the best interests of children. The ideal candidate will possess strong litigation, writing, and analytical skills, the ability to manage a high-volume caseload, and a commitment to protecting children and strengthening families through the legal process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Makes decisions and counsels with clients concerning proceedings in court or related forums.
• Drafts and files pleadings, answers, motions, briefs, and responses necessary to conduct litigation and proceedings in related forums.
• Appears in court and forums to make legal arguments and act as an advocate.
• Identifies, locates, and prepares witnesses to present testimony effectively in court or related forums.
• Counsels and advises clients within the bounds of confidentiality, when applicable, regarding legal issues, in all phases of litigation and in non-adversarial contexts.
• Drafts legal instruments and documents with legal implications.
• Negotiates with others to settle litigation or other contested matters or to assist in solving problems with legal implications.
• Develops knowledge, skill, and expertise in applicable areas of law to keep pace with current developments.
• Strives for experience, knowledge and skills.
• Performs all other related duties, as assigned or required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree required. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. Prior experience in the relevant area of law is essential. Good working knowledge, understanding and ability to apply the applicable laws, procedures, case holdings and departmental policies is essential. Ability to work efficiently and effectively in high-pressure situations. Possesses analytical ability, be diplomatic and tactful and use good judgment and common sense. Possesses proficient verbal and written skills to communicate information and directions to courts, attorneys, investigators, police agencies and citizens. Attorney is responsible for working in a cooperative manner with support staff and investigators. Attorney must be computer literate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this position, the attorney is regularly required to walk, sit, stand, bend, stoop, grasp, lift, reach, pull and push.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Regular attendance is required. Attorney must arrive at work on time, prepared to perform assigned duties and work assigned schedule. Attorney must have the ability to work well with others. Attorney must be able to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves and others. Tarrant County will conduct background checks that will include a criminal background check and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records or educational attainment.

DECISION MAKING:

This attorney exercises moderate professional discretion and independence under the intermittent supervision of more experienced attorneys and may occasionally provide input into certain policy-making decisions, although the position carries no policy making power.