Attorney I, Commissioners Court

Online applications are only accepted for current available positions.

Incomplete applications will be rejected.  Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application and/or the Work History section.

Any position posted may be closed or extended at any particular time during the advertisement period, at the discretion of Comal County.

Performs a variety of complex, high level administrative, technical and professional work in prosecuting/conducting civil lawsuits, drawing up legal documents, advising county officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices other phases of applicable local, state and Federal law.

• Advises the Commissioners Court of legal conditions and current and future trends; issues legal opinions.
• Attends meetings of Commissioners Court at which attendance may be required.
• Approves orders, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; provides legal advice as to substance.
• Drafts orders, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.
• Advises county officials of changes to state or Federal laws affecting county operations; interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for county officials and staff; assists departments to see that all federal, state and local laws are faithfully performed.
• Gathers evidence in civil cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action as they pertain to the county.
• Conducts research, interviews clients, and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for trial.
• Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case. Files brief with court.
• Represents county in court, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
• Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and county officials on specialized legal issues.
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations for decision-making purposes; coordinates with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provides professional advice to Commissioners Court and department heads; makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the public.
• Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the public. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget.
• Issues written and oral instructions and opinions; examines work products for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.

• Child Protective Services Cases
• Juvenile Cases
• Asset Seizures and Forfeitures
• Open Records/Open Meeting Issues
• Protective Orders and Mental Commitments
• Environmental Civil Cases

• Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to county affairs; Considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, and environment; Working knowledge of modern policies and practices of county law and public administration;
• Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents; skill in operating the listed tools and equipment;
• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, county officials, the court system, and the general public; ability to efficiently and effectively administer a county legal department.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

*If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, the interview process, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your inquires to Comal County Human Resources at (830) 643-5859 or neogovapplicant@co.comal.tx.us.