419th District Court Briefing Attorney

Travis County•Texas, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Briefing Attorney is assigned to a court and assists the judge or judges with a wide range of civil, family, and juvenile law matters. This is the highest classification in the three-level Briefing Attorney series. The role handles the most complex cases and matters, which may have the most severe consequences, independently but in consultation with the judge regarding final action. It also recommends outcome-determinative decisions in complex, high-consequence cases. The attorney supports court docket management, advises judges on legal issues, assists during courtroom proceedings, conducts legal research, and drafts legal and administrative documents. The role may also assist with judicial rules and procedures, seminar materials, case management communications, and supervision of others. It requires interaction with court personnel, litigants, public officials, the media, and the general public. The position is based at the Travis County Civil and Family Courts in downtown Austin. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Criminal, driving, education, and employment background checks are required. Physical requirements include lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds and the mobility and dexterity needed to perform the stated duties. Employees may be assigned to business continuity efforts outside their normal job functions.

Requirements

Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
For Briefing Attorney III: ten or more years of licensed attorney work experience.
Knowledge of jurisprudence and criminal, civil, family, and juvenile law and procedures, including constitutional and statutory law and administrative regulations and procedures.
Knowledge of federal, state, local, and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Knowledge of effective techniques for presenting facts and precedents orally and in writing in legal matters to a judge.
Knowledge of alternative dispute resolution and the mediation process.
Knowledge of the policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of the assigned function; computer equipment and common application software; business letter writing, grammar, and punctuation; and laws governing confidential handling of information.
Skill in problem solving, decision making, verbal and written communication, presentations, and analyzing and appraising facts, policies, procedures, and legal precedents.
Ability to conduct legal research and analysis manually and electronically.
Ability to work under limited supervision, using initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to present facts and precedents orally and in writing and apply negotiation skills.
Ability to operate office equipment and a computer, including word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software.
Ability to communicate effectively, work independently and efficiently, manage time, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
Ability to work under pressure, exercise tact in trying situations, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, outside agencies, county staff and officials, attorneys, and the public.
Meet the physical requirements of lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds and performing the listed physical activities needed for the essential functions.

Responsibilities

Assist the judge with management of the court's docket.
Provide legal opinions and counsel to the judge regarding issues under consideration.
Assist the judge during courtroom proceedings involving complex legal questions.
Conduct legal research, including review of state and federal case law, statutes, rules, administrative rules, procedures, legal documents, and records.
Draft briefs, memoranda, orders, jury charges, other legal documents, correspondence, and reports.
Review and prepare summaries and opinions of pending legislation.
Assist the judge in writing rules and procedures and provide legal research related to the judge's administrative responsibilities.
Assist with preparing text and materials for seminars, including CLE seminars; may also present at CLE and other legal gatherings.
Communicate with counsel regarding case management and procedural requirements.
May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Work cooperatively with court personnel.
Interact with and respond to inquiries from litigants, public officials, the media, and the general public.
May attend meetings and seminars as the judge's representative.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.