District Court Staff Attorney

bexar; Hudson (WI); On-site; USD 93,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Bexar County District Court seeks a Staff Attorney to review and respond to orders and legal correspondence, prepare writs and legal documents for District Court Judges, and perform in-depth statutory and case law research.

The role requires JD, Texas bar license, and four years of practice in administrative, litigation, or appellate law, with strong research and communication skills to support judicial decisions.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited college or university; four years practice in administrative, litigation or appellate law.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas; favorable background check and clearance.
• Strong research methods and legal research skills; ability to coordinate multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Review and respond to orders and correspondence to District Court Judges and operations personnel.
• Prepare orders on Post-Conviction, Pre-Conviction, and Writs of Habeas Corpus; gather affidavits and transcripts.
• Research statutory and case law across multiple codes; draft legal memoranda for Judges.

Skills

Legal research

Communication

multitask coordination

PC usage

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Texas Bar License

Tools

Internet research

Job description

District Court Staff Attorney

$93,228.00 - $116,538.00

Time Type

Full time

Summary

Under administrative direction, is responsible for reviewing and responding to orders, legal correspondence and other correspondence to the District Court Judges; preparing legal documents; researching statutory and case law and performing special projects; answering questions; performing computer research and performs related duties as required

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews and responds to orders and correspondence to the District Court Judges, District Clerk, and District Court Administration from Courts of Appeals, including Court of Criminal Appeals and the Western District of Texas as directed

• Prepares order on Applications for Post-Conviction, Pre-Conviction, and Community Supervision Writs of Habeas Corpus, including acquiring attorney affidavits, reviewing files and transcripts, requesting additional documentation necessary for comprehensive analysis of allegations in applications, and researching pertinent legal issues

• Monitors trial progress and responds to all requests from Judges

• Reviews and responds to legal correspondence to and from the District Court Judges

• Prepares orders and other legal documents for the District Court Judges

• Researches statutory and case law and performs other special projects as assigned

• Answers questions from outside agencies and the general public regarding legal issues and general court procedures

• Researches and drafts legislative proposals for District Court Judges to be presented at the Texas Legislature

• Researches legal issues as requested by the Judges using all available resources. Research includes thorough review of case law and statutes, including but not limited to: Code of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Penal Code, Government Code, Transportation Code, Family Code, Health & Safety Code, and Rules of Professional Responsibility.

• Prepares legal memoranda advising Judges of pertinent law and analysis

• Assists any and all Court personnel with legal questions and research issues as needed

• Supervises Juvenile Courts Pre-Trial Services personnel and Criminal Courts Legal Interns

• Monitors weekly the CCA and Fourth Court of Appeals opinions for relevant decisions and case law updates, and advise District Court Judges accordingly

• Participates in interview process of legal interns. Supervises and trains legal interns to assist with responses to motions for Judgments Nunc Pro Tunc and Writs of Habeas Corpus. Reviews work of legal interns

• Performs related duties as require

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and four (4) years practice in administrative, litigation, appellate law

• Knowledge of court system and courtroom procedures; knowledge of basic legal terminology; knowledge of basic office procedures

• Skill in coordinating multiple tasks; skill in developing research methods and performing legal research; skill in operating personal computer and basic office equipment

• Ability to communicate with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to effectively respond to inquiries and complaints; ability to analyze and appraise facts, procedures and legal precedents affecting complex and simple cases; ability to maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, the public, co-workers, other County employees and Elected/Appointed Officials

• Must be licensed by the State of Texas to practice law

• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance

• Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test

• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Working conditions are in an office environment

• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 10 pounds

• Occasionally move about the office

• Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information

• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery

• Positions self to perform essential functions

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position

Working With Bexar County

Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.

Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

BexarCounty is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enableindividualswith disabilities to perform the essential functions.