Civil Attorney - County Attorney

Reporting directly to the Civil Division Chief, responsible for representing the State in a broad range of civil matters, including civil litigation for the County (both plaintiff and defense), providing counsel to Elected Officials and department heads, and providing legal representation for the Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies as needed. Represents the County in mental health civil commitment cases, juvenile law prosecution, bond forfeiture proceedings, and all civil litigation proceedings.

Occasionally represents the Department of Family Protective Services in Child Protective Services (CPS) proceedings. Reviews responsive information in Public Information Act requests from responsive departments and provides legal red actions as necessary. Prepares information for submission in exhibits submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for a ruling.

• Provides support and assistance to the Civil Division Chief in performing all duties related to defense representation of the County or County officials in civil litigation, tort claims, civil rights claims/Section 1983 litigation, employment claims, and other civil issues, including discovery, mediations, trials, and appeals
• Provides in-depth research briefs on a wide variety of topics pertaining to civil law
• Provides legal advice and counsel to county officials on legal inquiries and requests for opinions related to varied areas of law and the official’s duties pursuant to law while counseling on any exposure to liability and litigation
• Executes responsibilities for communication with claimants or attorneys representing claimants regarding conclusions
• Drafts pleadings and response motions to include but not limited to Motions to Quash, Plea to the Jurisdiction, Motions to Transfer, General Answers, and Application for Appointment of Guardian
• Provides representation and assistance to the Bail Bond Board
• Represents the State in bail bond forfeiture proceedings
• Conducts legal research and analysis in preparation for legal briefs, pleadings, and motions to be filed and argued in court regarding litigation pending against the County and/or County officials and employees
• Performs contract or document review, or preparation of contracts and other legal documents
• Prepares training materials and provides training and counsel to local law enforcement agencies on legal matters pertaining to the investigation and processing of criminal and civil matters
• Communicates with outside agencies and county personnel, including department heads, law enforcement, elected officials, county employees, attorneys, and opposing attorneys
• Interfaces with other law enforcement agencies and governmental departments for interagency transfers
• Provides back-up duties and responsibilities as needed for all other attorneys within the Civil Division (i.e., Juvenile, Public Information Requests, Mental Health, Civil Litigation, Family Justice Division) and represents county departments, cross trains to basic proficiency in each of these areas
• Periodically attends Commissioner’s Court open and executive sessions to offer legal advice and counsel
• Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

• Performs work on mental health matters and litigation related to representing the State in mental health civil commitment cases
• Represents the State in Probable Cause and Civil Commitment hearings which includes evaluating updated medical records, communicating with mental health facilities, and interviewing, preparing, and eliciting testimony from social workers, doctors, family members, and other witnesses as necessary
• Represents the State on Applications for Court Order to Administer…