Staff Attorney, County Court-at-Law II

Reposted: 11/08/2024

This position is responsible for assisting with legal matters for Webb County Court-at-Law II and conducting legal research.

• Reviews and responds to orders and correspondence to the County Court-at-Law II Judge from the Courts of Appeals as directed.
• Reviews and responds to legal correspondence to and from County Court-at-Law II.
• Drafts orders and other legal documents for the County Court-at-Law II.
• Answers questions from legal counsel and the general public regarding general court procedures.
• Attends charge conferences with the County Court-at-Law II Judge, defense attorneys, and state attorneys.
• Prepares legal instructions in the charge to the jury, and prepares jury charges; updates the jury charge database as necessary.
• Reviews trial and appellate records and prepares proposed findings of facts and conclusions of law.
• Reviews appellate court opinions. 
• Prepares Orders on Application for Writs of Habeas Corpus.
• Performs legal research.
• Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to cases or issues under the Court’s consideration.
• Drafts court motions and orders, and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
• Demonstrates best practices concerning case management and communicates those to counsel.
• Performs tasks to ensure accurate court records, including court recording.
• Communicates with the Office of Court Administration to determine best practices and develop strategies.
• Communicates with the State Bar of Texas, the Regional Presiding Judge, the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas, the Judicial Branch Certificate Commission, and other state agencies regarding policies that impact Webb County Court-at-Law II. 
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law.
• Knowledge of trial proceedings.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge in case law research.
• Frequently communicates with the Judge, court personnel, lawyers, and self-represented litigants must be able to exchange accurate information. 
• Knowledge of Texas Probate and Guardianship law, Texas Estates Code; Texas Property Code, Texas Trust Code, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Evidence, knowledge of Jurisprudence, civil law, and procedures, including constitutional and statutory law.
• Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of assigned functions.
• Ability to position self to perform essential job functions in an office and video conference environment.
• Skill in the analysis of problems, and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in problem-solving, legal research, negotiation, and making presentations.
• Advanced skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to demonstrate technological intuitiveness.
• Ability to use independent judgment and moderate discretion to complete work assignments.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
• At least four (4) years of practice in administrative, litigation, or appellate law.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas with an active membership in the State Bar of Texas.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied legal, management, and supervisory duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct the assigned operations of the Webb County Court-at-Law II. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations.

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 15 pounds in all directions.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle.
• Working in high temperatures
• Working in noisy environments.
• Working small and/or enclosed spaces.
• Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Working in low temperatures.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

• Must possess a valid and current driver's license or available alternate means of transportation.
• Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this job. Pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and criminal background checks are required.
• This position is not covered under Civil Service; however, all other Webb County policies apply.