County Attorney'S Office - Senior Trial Attorney (Civil Litigation Mental Health Division)

Essential Duties

The Sr. Trial Attorney under general direction, provides representation to the County and its officials and employees in civil litigation 

brought against the County in both federal and state; Provides representation in mental health proceedings; must demonstrate strong 

written and oral communication skills;

Reviews case facts for legal sufficiency, drafts motion statements and prepares required legal documents;

Researches statutes and case law issues and revises legal documents to reflect new legislation;

Examines video, file and physical case evidence;

Confers with attorneys regarding case information and pleadings, law enforcement agencies regarding case investigation and trial preparation, and witnesses regarding case preparation and testimony;

Edits legal documents prepared by support staff;

Responsible for litigating routine to complex hearings, trials and appeals;

Prepares and presents oral arguments for routine to complex cases;

Frequent handling of confidential legal information and documents;

Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions; 

Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Represents the State of Texas in the prosecution of misdemeanor level crimes or civil violations for illegal dumping, clean air and water violations, deceptive business practice and hot checks;

Prosecutes juvenile delinquency matters;

May prosecute bond forfeitures and represents the State in expunction proceedings;   

Provides legal representation to obtain protective orders for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking/harassment;

Provides representation in child protective services cases and elder abuse, as well as mental health proceedings;  

Provides general counsel services on a wide variety of civil matters including contract review, issuance of opinions, advising with respect to open government requirements;

May review, analyze and draft legislation, policies and procedures;

Attends and assists at the meetings of the Commissioners Court as well as numerous county boards and entities;    

Provides representation to the County and its officials and employees in civil litigation brought agains the County in both federal and state courts. interpretation and enforcement of land use regulations;

Provides representation to the Hospital District and affiliated non-profit entities. Attends and assists at the meetings of the governing boards for respective affiliates.

Other Important Duties*

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned;

May work extended hours and weekends; 

Regular out of town travel for professional conferences and meetings;

Maintains a safe and healthy work place environment; 

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor. 

Summary of Position
The Senior Trial Attorney under general supervision, and depending on area of assignment: provides complex general counsel for various County Offices and staff, depending on area assigned the incumbent; prosecutes criminal, civil and family law cases; provides representation in matters, including civil, or prosecutorial; defends, and advocates for clients accused of a crime; performs complex non-supervisory legal work. This is the second in a series of three non-supervisory attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family.

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: County, state, and federal legal principles, practices, procedures regarding the court system; state and local statutes and codes; case law; rules of evidence; contract terminology and requirements; legal practices and procedures; legal terminology; department policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment; County organization, operations, policies and procedures; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products. Skill/Ability to: may require strong written advocacy skills and/or experience depending on placement needed within the office; possesses advanced litigation and prosecutorial skills, or equivalent specialized prosecutorial skills; operate a personal computer and various software applications; conduct research, develop appropriate documentation, assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands to meet scheduled requirements; establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and customers to promote and support a productive work environment; defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions work efficiently independently and in a team environment to meet established goals and objectives; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms to respond effectively to customers and staff; exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines in performance of daily duties; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work. Pass a background investigation.
Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance: 
·       Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
·       Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
·       Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
·       Maintain strict confidentiality;
·       Project positive support of their department and all organizations receiving El Paso County service      at all times; and,
·       Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence. 


Organizational Relationships 
Reports to: Trial Team Chief, Division Chief, Senior Division Chief

Directs: This is a non-supervisory position

Other: Has contact with department heads and/or staff in order to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities, attorney’s, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law enforcement, witnesses, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the general public.