Supervising Attorney, G126, Public Defender's Office

Webb County; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Webb County seeks a Supervisor of Attorneys to oversee representation of adult clients in criminal matters. The role involves independent work with limited supervision and periodic reporting of major activities.

You will supervise attorneys, participate in hearings, and develop strategic defense plans, while guiding junior staff and ensuring efficient case management within a county legal office.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree and active Texas State Bar membership.
• One year of practicing law or related experience.
• Current membership in the State Bar of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with criminal offenses by participating in hearings, interviews, and investigations.
• Counsel clients on charges, rights, and consequences in English and Spanish.
• Develop strategic defense plans tailored to each case and negotiate with prosecutors and others to obtain favorable resolutions.
• Supervise subordinate attorneys on schedules, hearings, reports, and case management.
• Maintain and organize case files and documents to ensure timely filings.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Oral and written communication

Spanish language

Trial procedures

Investigative/judicial analysis

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to supervise attorneys and participate in the provision of legal representation to adult clients.
Employee works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Major Duties

• Represents clients who have been accused and charged with a criminal offense by participating in hearings, interviews, and investigations in order to prepare for trial.
• Counsel clients by explaining charges, legal rights, and consequences in plain, understandable language in both English and Spanish.
• Reviews and analyzes discovery via police reports, body cams, and forensic results to identify violations of constitutional rights.
• Reviews, meets, and provides guidance to subordinate attorneys pertaining to their schedules, hearings, reports, training, and knowledge of case management, client referrals, and court decorum.
• Executes and develops strategic defense plans tailored to each case based on facts, applicable law, and client goals.
• Advocates for clients by reviewing and negotiating with prosecutors, probation officers, specialty court committees, judges, and case managers to obtain favorable case resolutions.
• Prioritizes, reviews, and organizes special legal issues, black letter law, case law, and procedural rules to develop persuasive arguments and write the appropriate legal documents.
• Maintains and coordinates case files and client documents to schedule and manage productive contacts with prosecutors, law enforcement, witnesses, probation, medical staff, and case managers to ensure timely filings.
• Screens clients for potential referrals to specialty courts, social workers, or immigration attorneys; supervises subordinate attorneys in this process; and monitors client progress in the specialty courts.
• Advises clients on collateral immigration consequences and available options.
• Prepares memos for attorneys regarding immigration consequences for clients.
• Conducts training seminars for Assistant Public Defenders regarding immigration issues.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law.
• Knowledge of investigative tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of trial proceedings.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Proficient in oral and written communication.
• Skill in completing legal research.
• Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.
• Skill in analyzing problems and developing and implementing solutions.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in the Spanish language is preferred but not required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree.
• One year of practicing law or related experience.
• Current membership in the State Bar of Texas.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands/Work Environment
Occasionally

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.
• Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.
• Working in noisy environments.
• Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.

Constantly

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Other Requirements/Information

• Must possess a valid and current Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving history. *If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver’s License must be obtained prior to employment.
• The Webb County Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this position. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and a criminal background check are required.
• If applicable, this position may be covered by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations and, therefore, may be subject to those rules and regulations in addition to all other Webb County policies.
• Webb County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
• If applicable, the position may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job.
• For positions funded in whole or in part through a grant award, employment is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds and compliance with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the applicable grant agreement. Compensation, benefits, and leave accruals, including vacation, sick leave, and other paid leave, may be subject to grant-specific requirements, to the extent permitted by applicable law and County policy.
  The reduction, expiration, or termination of grant funding may result in the modification or elimination of a grant-funded position.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.