Law Clerk I - Civil Dept

Performs legal research, drafts legal documents, delivers and picks up legal and other materials related to case, files legal documents with appropriate courts, and provides general case preparation support.

This is the first in a series of two law clerk-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification is characterized as an attorney-in-training. This classification is distinguished from Law Clerk II by the moderate complexity of legal assistance and research performed. Scope of duties include some of the routine duties attorneys may perform, but are limited to those that are not required to be performed by a licensed attorney.

• Performs legal research. Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to case or issue under consideration.
• Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
• Files legal documents with appropriate office.
• Obtains records, transcripts and other legal documents.
• Assists in preparing cases for trial. Collects, organizes and prepares evidence, information and other legal materials needed by attorneys. May assist justices or attorneys in preparing for oral arguments.
• Assists attorneys in interviewing witnesses and taking depositions.
• Responds to discovery requests.
• May serve as liaison and coordinate with other public agencies, governmental bodies, County departments and law firms regarding processing court cases and legal matters.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree AND completion of one (1) year of law school;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Must be currently enrolled in an accredited law school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Jurisprudence, criminal and civil law and procedures, including constitutional and statutory law.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Effective techniques for presentation of cases and facts verbally and in writing in law related matters.
• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Conducting legal research.
• Analyzing and appraising facts, policies, procedures, and legal precedents.
• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

• Conduct legal research and analysis, both manually and electronically.
• Present facts, precedents and arguments orally and in writing and apply negotiation skills.
• Work independently.
• Manage time well and perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Work well under pressure and exercise tact in trying situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday. 20 hours per week. 

Department: District Attorney 

Location: 1700 Guadalupe St. Austin, Texas 78701 

Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.