Attorney V - VII - Appellate

Travis County•Austin, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Travis County Attorney's Office is seeking a senior appellate attorney to handle complex civil and criminal appellate matters. This role involves preparing and arguing briefs before the Texas Courts of Appeals, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the Texas Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. You will guide assistant county attorneys on appellate strategy, represent the County in expunction and nondisclosure proceedings, and mentor staff and community partners on key justice issues, all while working independently at the top of your field. Candidates must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school, have 6 to 10 years of licensed attorney experience, with a starting salary ranging from $105,892.80 to $121,243.20, depending on experience level. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the seventh in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification handles cases and matters that are the most complex and that may result in the most severe consequences without supervision.

Requirements

J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school
Six (6) years licensed attorney work experience (for Attorney V)
Eight (8) years licensed attorney work experience (for Attorney VI)
Ten (10) years licensed attorney work experience (for Attorney VII)
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Knowledge of jurisprudence, criminal and civil law and procedures, including constitutional and statutory law.
Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of methods and practices of pleading cases and of effective techniques for presentation of cases in court or to effectively present facts and precedents verbally and in writing in law related matters.
Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
Knowledge of computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in analyzing and appraising facts, policies, procedures and legal precedents in area of specialty.
Skill in both verbal and written communication, including presentations.
Ability to conduct legal research and analysis, both manually and electronically.
Ability to present facts, precedents and arguments verbally and in writing and apply negotiation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to manage time well and perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
Ability to work well under pressure and exercise tact in trying situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Preparation of appellate briefs, motions, petitions, and writs to the intermediate state courts of appeals, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the Texas Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
Provide legal advice to assistant county attorneys on appellate matters.
Prepare and present oral argument in the various appellate courts.
Provide legal representation and advice to the County Attorney, the District Attorney, and county agencies in (civil) expunction and non-disclosure trial and appellate proceedings.
Performs advanced legal work.
Conducts investigations to determine best court or non-court action.
Performs complex legal research.
Prepares appellate briefs and argues before appellate courts.
Makes punishment recommendations based upon contact with victims and office policy.
Creates documents including answers, motions, orders, writs and other related documents.
Represents the state at expunction/writ/nondisclosure hearings.
Conducts training, mentoring, and educational presentations regarding legal and community justice issues of concern to the County for staff, other government employees, and civic organizations.
Confers with top management and judges in all matters concerning prosecution of cases, advising of clients, and matters that will impact the policies and procedures of the division.
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, contracts and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
Takes depositions and responds to discovery requests.
Oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs, warrants, contracts, official policies and other related documents.
Represents the State at docket calls.
Prepares cases for trial.
Collects, organizes and prepares evidence, information and other legal materials.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.