Assistant County Attorney - Employment Division (Labor)

Harris County•Houston, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is hiring an attorney to join our Employment Division which provides full service in-house advice and counsel to County departments and elected offices related to all aspects of employment by the County, often in partnership with human resources professionals. The posted position will have a particular focus on advice as to labor law and labor-management relations. In addition to a significant advice and counsel role, the Employment Division responds to litigation in state and federal court and represents the County and elected offices in agency investigations of employment matters, and administrative hearings. The attorney in this role will have the opportunity to refine their employment litigation skills from case inception through discovery and motion practice, trial, and appeal. The ideal candidate is a mid-level attorney or higher with prior experience in labor and employment counsel, as well as federal and state court litigation. In addition, attorneys have the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek. The Employment Division currently operates on a flexible hybrid remote schedule and the selected candidate may likewise be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program.

Requirements

A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
Must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court.
Excellent research, writing, and courtroom skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Westlaw, and Adobe.
Familiarity with applicable federal and state employment laws.
Motion practice experience.
Experience conducting discovery.
Knowledge of the rules of civil procedure and evidence.
Analytical skills to include ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses.
Ability to exercise good judgment.
Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
Ability to organize and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
Ability to comply with office policies and training requirements.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated labor and/or employment law experience.

Responsibilities

First and second chair labor and employment litigation assignments.
Represents parties in labor and employment litigation cases from intake through final judgment including trials and/or appeals as needed.
Advises clients.
Manages all aspects of assigned litigation such as drafting answers, issuing and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, motions practice to include dispositive motions, and other necessary court documents.
Remains current on applicable caselaw and ethical obligations.
Conducts research assignments.
Presents or defends witnesses and evidence at administrative hearings, depositions, court hearings, mediation, and trial.
Develops exhibits and witnesses for use in dispositive motions.
Develops and maintains relationships with clients (including elected officials, individual employees and agency representatives), courts and court staff, the public and other work groups related to assigned cases.
Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
Makes use of technology and other legal tools.
Responds promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
Participates in one-on-one sessions with the supervisor and/or manager to give and receive feedback.
Participates in Division staff meetings.
Encourages and mentors attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
Performs other duties as assigned.