Attorney I-III - Child Representation Office

Travis County•Texas, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Travis County Child Representation Office provides high-quality legal representation to children and youth involved in the Travis County child welfare system. Attorneys will build professional and trusting relationships with clients, collaborate with a wide variety of other professionals and community members, and advocate for the clients’ needs both in and out of the courtroom. This is the first-third in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification handles cases and matters that are moderately complex and may result in moderate consequences with supervision.

Requirements

J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school
One to three (1-3) years of licensed attorney work experience.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Valid Texas driver's license
Knowledge of the Texas Family Code, The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and other Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines that apply to the work of the Travis County Child Representation Office.
Knowledge of methods and practices of pleading cases.
Knowledge of techniques to effectively present facts and precedents both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of legal writing and citation standards.
Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures, and legal terminology related to the Travis County court system.
Knowledge of policies, practices, and procedures of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in analyzing and appraising facts, policies, procedures and legal precedents.
Skill in verbal and written communication.
Skill in explaining legal terminology and concepts to children of a variety of ages and development levels.
Ability to exercise sound judgment.
Ability to conduct legal research and analysis.
Ability to present facts, precedents, and arguments in a compelling manner.
Ability to apply negotiation skills.
Ability to work as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients, relative caregivers, and foster parents.
Ability to manage time well and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.
Ability to travel to various areas in Austin and surrounding counties in Texas as required to visit and represent clients.

Nice To Haves

Hearing and trial experience consistent with years of practice.
Experience with the child welfare civil legal system.
Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Meet with child-clients and provide legal counsel in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Attend court hearings on behalf of clients and advocate for their position.
Review all relevant records and case-related information.
Communicate regularly with clients, and case contacts such as foster parents, kinship resources, DFPS case workers, service providers, and school personnel.
Attend case planning meetings.
Participate in out-of-court advocacy with service providers, schools, placements, and DFPS.
Draft briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
Respond to discovery requests.
Prepare cases for trial: collect, organize and prepare evidence, information and other legal materials.
Represent clients at bench and jury trials: conduct direct and cross examination of witnesses, admit evidence, and make opening and closing statements.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.