STAFF ATTORNEY

PAY PLAN: 133 - $ 110,217.00 minimum salary or as per Compensation Policy Promotional Method.

SUMMARY:

Serves as legal counsel to the County Judge and Commissioners' Court, providing legal services and advice on matters affecting Cameron County. Performs complex professional legal work requiring sound judgment and technical proficiency in civil matters. Exercises substantial independence in conducting legal research, preparing for trials and administrative hearings, and advising elected officials, appointed department heads, and their designees.

Position reports to the Chief Legal Counsel.

SECTION 1: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are representative of this position. Duties not specifically listed may be included when they are similar, related, or a logical assignment within this classification. The Chief Legal Counsel may assign additional duties as required.

Performs advanced professional legal work to represent the County in general legal matters and civil and administrative proceedings.

Supervises clerical staff supporting legal services to the County; directs legal research for the preparation of legal opinions, materials for proposed legislation, and County rules and regulations.

Conducts quasi-judicial hearings and advises boards and administrative officials on decisions arising from those hearings.

Prepares legal opinions for administrative officials.

Represents the County in civil litigation; reviews and approves contracts and agreements; provides legal counsel on property acquisition matters.

Advises elected officials on the Open Meetings Act and resolves public information requests.

SECTION 2: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of common law and state and federal laws governing the administrative and regulatory functions of state and local government.

Considerable knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Considerable knowledge of civil pleading methods and practices and effective techniques for presenting cases in court and before administrative judges and agencies.

Ability to analyze, evaluate, and organize facts, evidence, and legal precedents in complex cases and present them clearly and logically in oral presentations and written briefs, opinions, orders, or decisions.

Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments, evaluate and organize facts and legal principles, and present evidence and related materials effectively in writing and orally.

Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with administrative officials, local government officials, employees, court officials, and the public.

Ability to plan, assign, and review the work of subordinate attorneys and clerical staff. Ability to draft legal instruments, proposed legislation, and legal opinions.

SECTION 3: JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Requires graduation from an accredited school of law and considerable, progressively responsible experience in professional legal work. Candidates must possess a certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Texas and be admitted, or eligible for admission, to the Federal Court in the Southern District of Texas.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Requires light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects and materials weighing 5-10 pounds. Tasks may require extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and distinguish sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks also require oral communication.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER