Attorney IV - Civil

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

Under general direction from the elected District Attorney, attorneys within the civil division prosecute child protection issues; represent the State in all bond forfeitures in County and District Court; represent the State in all asset seizure cases in District Court; sit as designees on and act as general counsel for the Bail Bond Board; respond to criminal open records requests and request Attorney General rulings when required; correspond and collaborate with other legal counsels related to litigation and matters involving the Hays County Commissioners Court; represent local hospitals and private citizens in applying for Emergency Orders of Detention and Orders of Protective Custody in mental health cases; and work with the local mental health authority to ensure defendants and arrestees receive mental health treatment and services.

Responsibilities                                                                                                           

• Renders oral and written legal opinions to the County Judge and Commissioners on matters relating to the operation of county government.
• Functions as an assistant legal counsel to Commissioners Court.
• Renders legal decisions resulting in countywide, long-term implications.
• Attends regular and special meetings of the Hays County Commissioners Court, as needed, to provide legal advice and clarify county policy, as requested.
• Drafts and recommends approval of county ordinances and resolutions.
• Drafts and recommends approval of deeds, easements, rights-of-way, releases, contracts, and other instruments binding the county to financial agreements and obligations.
• Research’s, drafts, and advises on open government, conflict of interest, county government, tort, contract, employment, constitutional, and election laws.
• Remains informed of state and federal legislation and judicial decisions that might impact county government.
• Conducts legal research as needed.
• Develops, recommends, and implements policies, plans, and procedures to advance the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office mission, goals, and objectives.
• Assesses legal and political implications of departmental actions within the county.
• Assists in developing strategic planning for departments within the county.
• Monitors the work of any outside attorneys hired by or provided for the county.
• Assists in the representation of the county in all civil legal matters.
• Assists in the representation of the state in bond and asset forfeiture cases.
• Represents the State when local hospitals and private citizens apply for Emergency Orders of Detention and Orders of Protective Custody in mental health cases.
• Renders advice and opinions to the county on environmental law concerns.
• Represents the state when private citizens seek Orders of Protection. Researches and performs an analysis, and drafts concerning Public Information Act requests.
• Drafts and submits requests for ruling to the Texas Attorney General on a broad array of county records.
• Responds to subpoenas seeking production of county records and records of county officials.
• Advises, interacts with, and/or represents law enforcement agencies within county government regarding a broad array of legal issues, including but not limited to Collective Bargaining, employment matters, administration, and F-5 Appeals.
• Plans casework, reviews physical evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares trial exhibits, files motions and briefs, negotiates pleas, selects juries, drafts jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases.
• Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, and discovery issues.
• Represents the State of Texas in matters related to child welfare.

• Education and/or Experience
  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
  • At least 5 years’ experience working as a licensed attorney, with preference for experience working with governmental entities.
•  Capable of handling cases and matters that are moderately complex and that may result in moderately serious consequences without supervision, and cases and matters that are complex and that may result in serious consequences with supervision

• Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• State of Texas licensed attorney.  
• Ability to maintain continuing education requirements for the State of Texas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must pass criminal background check.