Guardianship Attorney
About The Position
The attorney provides legal support to the guardianship program area. The attorney represents the agency in guardianship matters before courts that have probate jurisdiction and facilitates representation in counties in which local prosecuting attorneys provide direct representation. The attorney manages a diverse guardianship case load, conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, engages in discovery, prepares cases for trial, and represents the agency in hearings. The attorney renders legal advice and provides training for agency program staff. They may be asked to serve on workgroups responsible for reviewing and drafting policies, procedures, and rules in order to effectively implement statutory obligations. The attorney routinely interacts with guardianship specialists, guardianship supervisors, judges and court staff, investigation witnesses, expert witnesses, protective services, attorneys ad litem, and guardians ad litem. The attorney works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Requirements
- Must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
- Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis.
- Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
- Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment.
- Knowledge of guardianship law; elder law, and probate law; as well as civil practice experience.
- Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
- Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff and the public.
- Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.
- Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer-assisted legal research, word processing software, and the Internet.
- At least three years experience practicing law.
Nice To Haves
- Guardianship, prosecutorial, or other comparable litigation experience preferred but not required.
- If the applicant has an Attorney ad Litem (AAL) certification to handle guardianship cases, please include this information in your application at the top of Page 2, section for license and certification information.
Responsibilities
- Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.
- Evaluates guardianship cases to ensure legal sufficiency; prepares cases for trial; provides direct representation or facilitates representation at the inception of guardianship; helps ensure guardianship is administered in compliance with statutory, regulatory and policy guidelines. (60%)
- Provides legal advice and training to program staff. (25%)
- Acts as backup for other guardianship attorneys. (5%)
- Participates in work groups, and reviews and comments on draft statutes, rules, and regulations affecting program and agency operations. (5%)
- Participates in special projects, develops case management systems, and performs other duties as assigned. (5%)
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
- A defined benefit pension plan
- Generous time off benefits
- Numerous opportunities for career advancement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
