Public Defender'S Office - Non-Licensed Attorney (Temporary)

County of El Paso•Tx 79901, TX

About The Position

The Non-Licensed Attorney is a temporary position in the Public Defender’s Office that provides support to assigned attorneys in trial preparation and other legal matters or proceedings. A person holding a Texas Third Year Practice Card may represent clients under the direction of supervising attorneys. The position is distinguished from Legal Secretary and Paralegal classifications by its greater complexity and broader work activities. It may coordinate assigned secretarial support staff and provide guidance to staff, although it is classified as nonsupervisory. The role involves legal research and case preparation, including reviewing and summarizing case materials, preparing and filing legal documents, maintaining case records and databases, calculating deadlines, and supporting hearings and trials. The position has frequent contact with attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement, other government agencies, county employees, clients, families, witnesses, and the public. Duties may vary depending on the assigned area. This temporary position is not eligible for benefits. All El Paso County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train for or perform emergency services as directed by a supervisor.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Pass a criminal background check.
Type 60 words per minute.
Depending on assignment, have or obtain by hire date a valid driver’s license appropriate to the job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to El Paso County.
Have a personal mobile smart device by the hire start date to access the County’s network and systems.
Knowledge of relevant Texas and federal legal authorities and procedures, including the Texas Family Code, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Penal Code, and the United States and Texas Constitutions.
Knowledge of criminal litigation, court systems, legal terminology, applicable laws and regulations, E-filing in Texas, discovery, open meetings laws, the Public Information Act, law office administration, legal ethics, interviewing and investigation, recordkeeping, databases, spreadsheets, and report preparation.
Ability to acquire, maintain, organize, analyze, and summarize case evidence and legal information; examine case files for documentation accuracy; conduct legal research; and maintain accurate, confidential records.
Ability to explain court processes, communicate effectively orally and in writing, prepare and maintain records and filing systems, and use standard office software and equipment, including Windows and Microsoft products.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, make sound decisions, work independently and as part of a team, and perform under stressful conditions.
Ability to remain composed with high-conflict customers, deal courteously and effectively with the public, and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance, teamwork, courteous and respectful interactions, strict confidentiality, dependable performance, and commitment to customer service and County organizations.

Nice To Haves

A Texas Third Year Practice Card is preferred.
Approval to sit for the Texas Bar or pending results from the Texas Bar examination is strongly desired.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and organize pretrial case materials, retrieve case information, and review, screen, analyze, and summarize case-related materials for assigned attorneys.
Contact office staff, court personnel, criminal justice agencies, and other parties to obtain information needed for litigation.
Prepare, process, file, and issue case documents, including judgments, orders, contracts, payment agreements, notices, motions, briefs, warrants, and other pleadings for attorney review and approval.
Obtain, index, and outline criminal histories, offense reports, and other relevant documents; analyze jury lists; and conduct discovery of relevant documentation for open cases.
Conduct statutory, case law, criminal, and civil research; prepare case briefs and memoranda of law in support of or rebutting case theories.
Appear in court with attorneys to take notes and follow up on requested items; attend depositions, mediations, pre-trials, bench termination trials, and contested hearings.
Maintain case materials, document logs, files, exhibits, evidence records, databases, statistical records, and caseload statistics; prepare reports and trial dockets and notebooks.
Respond to open records requests and questions about procedural issues by phone, in person, or email; assist the public with inquiries and difficult or non-routine issues.
Prepare and submit investigative, social work, and secretarial work requests and follow up as needed; contact witnesses and interview clients, families, and witnesses; investigate claims when assigned.
Consult with attorneys and law enforcement officials regarding detainers and interstate extradition requests; calculate statutory or court-imposed deadlines and ensure they are met.
Brief attorney staff on issues in pending cases, including habeas corpus cases, and on case progress.
Prepare forms during court hearings, work with E-filings, notify attorneys of filings, and potentially serve as office E-filing administrator.
Prepare financial calculations and materials for court appearances; ensure evidence is accounted for and case documents are stored in accordance with department procedures.
Serve as a liaison with county facilities and departments; substitute for coworkers during temporary absences when assigned; and attend meetings, training, and information sessions.
Represent clients under a Texas Third Year Practice Card when assigned and under the direction of supervising attorneys.
Depending on assignment, review and redact court orders for accuracy; screen cases for enhancement; maintain time and billing records; assist attorneys with discovery requirements and discovery notices; maintain information about law enforcement witnesses for disclosure; and assist with reporting attorney actions to the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Justice Information database.
Stay informed about trends and innovations in the field; provide excellent customer service; and participate in training and mentoring that supports employee development and safety.
Perform other related duties as assigned, including emergency response duties during a proclaimed emergency when directed.