Legal CPS Regional Attorney III
About The Position
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases. The position provides expertise, guidance, and instruction in family law, civil litigation, and agency policy. The position monitors the progress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services court cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public.
Requirements
- Knowledge of family law and civil practice.
- Ability to synthesize the law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
- Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff.
- Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
- Graduated from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Work experience in Family Law or Child Welfare Law.
Responsibilities
- Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
- Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters.
- Provides agency representation in court cases.
- Prepares cases for trial and handles the trial on most cases.
- Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.
- Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.
- Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, legal pleadings, and reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
- Assists in formulating, establishing, and coordinating office systems.
- Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
- Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Benefits
- excellent health benefits
- special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program
- longevity pay
- generous paid leave
- access to the Wellness program
- lifetime retirement annuity
- Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
