Assistant County Attorney - Environmental Division

Harris County•Houston, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking an Attorney to join our Environmental Division. This position will specialize in state court enforcement of environmental laws and related county regulations – primarily focused on fire code and floodplain enforcement. Under the supervision of the Division Director and Deputy Division Director, the attorney will be responsible for managing an active caseload, focused on representing the County’s interests in state court enforcement matters. The attorney in this role is responsible for assisting with case development, legal research, development of legal theories, drafting pleadings and briefs, and handling litigation. The attorney will have the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek. The Environmental 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.
Active Bar License in Good Standing for the State of Texas.
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Westlaw, Microsoft Word, Adobe, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of the Texas and Federal environmental statutes and regulations, the Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and 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 training requirements.

Nice To Haves

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, unofficial law school transcript, and at least one (1) writing sample with their application.

Responsibilities

Conducts legal, and technical research and reviews case law to issues as they develop in cases.
Utilizes databases, such as EJScreen, to assist in developing cases.
Investigates facts and obtains evidence in cases.
Work closely with technical experts to develop cases.
Drafts legal documents, including, petitions, discovery, motions, and briefs.
Be prepared for court hearings, and trial.
Develops and manages relationships with clients, courts, the public and other work groups related to assigned cases.
Monitors cases to ensure that all deadlines are timely met.
Reviews and responds to motions filed by opposing counsel.
Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
Ensures proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Westlaw, Microsoft Word, Adobe, and PowerPoint.
Maintaining case files electronically in OpenText.
Responding promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
Participates in one-on-one sessions with the Division Director/Deputy Director to give and receive feedback.
Participates in Division staff meetings.
Collaborate with colleagues on the development of new and pending matters.
Encourages and mentors attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
Performs other duties as assigned.