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Posted April 05, 2024

Assistant County Attorney - Environmental Division

Harris County
Houston, TX Full Time
Reference: HarrisCounty4300157

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking an Attorney to join our Environmental Division which specializes in administrative environmental...

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The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking an Attorney to join our Environmental Division which specializes in administrative environmental law, state court enforcement of environmental laws and related county regulations and ensures County compliance with environmental regulations. Under the supervision of the Division Director, the attorney will be responsible for managing an active caseload, focused on representing the Countys interests in both state and federal environmental matters. The attorney in this role is responsible for assisting with case development, legal research, development of legal theories, drafting comments to state and federal agencies, drafting pleadings and briefs, and handling litigation.

In addition to the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, the selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts legal, and technical research and reviews case law to issues as they develop in cases.

  • Utilizes databases, such as EJScreen, to assist in developing cases.

  • Investigates facts and obtains evidence in cases.

  • Work closely with technical experts to develop cases.

  • Drafts legal documents, including comments to administrative agencies, petitions, motions, and briefs.

  • Be prepared for administrative hearings, court hearings, and trial.

  • Develops and manages relationships with clients, courts, the public and other work groups related to assigned cases.

  • Identify documents and records appropriate for cases.

  • Monitors cases to ensure that all deadlines are timely met.

  • Reviews and responds to motions filed by opposing counsel.

  • Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.

  • Ensures proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Westlaw, Microsoft Word, Adobe, and PowerPoint.

  • Maintaining case files electronically in OpenText.

  • Responding promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.

  • Participates in one-on-one sessions with the Division Director to give and receive feedback.

  • Participates in Division staff meetings.

  • Collaborate with colleagues on the development of new and pending matters.

  • Encourages and mentors attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

  • This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.

  • Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.


Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Supporting Job Application Documents:

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, unofficial law school transcript, and at least one (1) writing sample with their application.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Applicants must:

  • have practiced law for at least two (2) years,

  • be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and

  • be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.

  • Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Westlaw, Microsoft Word, Adobe, and PowerPoint.

  • Knowledge of the Texas and Federal environmental statutes and regulations, the Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.

  • Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.

  • Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.

  • Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.

  • Ability to organize and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.

  • Ability to comply with office training requirements.


NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorneys Office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network in all civil matters, including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

  • This is a full-time position.

  • Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary.

  • Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO.

Work Environment:

  • This job typically operates in a professional office environment, and the individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.


Physical and Mental Demands:

  • This is largely a sedentary role that requires standing or sitting for prolonged periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body, repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision-making, organization, the ability to read/write, and the ability to manage workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.


Compensation:

  • The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidates qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function.

  • Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.

  • In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.


Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

This listing expired on May 05. Applications are no longer accepted.

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