Legal Counsel I

Join an organization that values it's community and employees!

The purpose of this entry level position is to represent the Appraisal District in civil litigation before the State District Courts and in administrative hearings. Activities will include conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, pre-trial discovery and motion practice, alternative dispute resolution and trial representation for a large portfolio of civil lawsuits. Activities may also include support of the appraisal district through transactional legal representation as needed.

EDUCATION/POSITION SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS & WORK EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• Juris Doctorate, Graduation from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

WORK EXPERIENCE
• 0 to 5 years of legal experience
• Experience working for a governmental agency preferred
• Experience in a high-volume litigation environment preferred.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the job. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this job.

General Responsibilities (Broad responsibilities that are consistent across job families)
• Maintain HCAD litigation support as in-house counsel.
• Develop arguments and represent the appraisal district as legal counsel during judicial and administrative proceedings.
• Perform legal research and writing.
• Draft motions, pleadings and legal briefs.
• Propound and respond to written discovery.
• Negotiate settlements and resolve cases favorably and cost-effectively for the district.
• Exercise proper professional and ethical responsibilities to internal and external clients.
• Maintain and update district publications, pamphlets, forms, and other documentation correspondence, reports, contracts and other legal documents as required.
• Take ownership and accountability for special projects assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Specific Responsibilities (Division specific responsibilities)
• Work under the supervision of more experienced lawyers, providing support and assistance, such as performing legal research for a particular case and preparing a case for trial.
• Manage a caseload of primarily straightforward lower value cases.
• Attend mediations and settlement conferences.
• Keep supervisor abreast of the progress of a case by creating reports and communicating verbally.
• Provide general input to diagnose, investigate and provide solutions to problems.
• Plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially concerning property tax and local government.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, seminars, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies to meet CLE requirements.
• Demonstrate interest in furthering career development.
• Maintain involvement with the community and bar association.
• Demonstrate “team first” attitude on a consistent basis.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE:
• HCAD operating practices and policy
• Knowledge of Texas civil procedure required
• Computer legal research using Westlaw
• Knowledge of the Tax Code and Government Code preferred
• Knowledge of the Public Information Act preferred
• Legal competency/expertise/knowledge of the law

WORKING CONDITIONS
Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time in an office setting.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have sufficient mobility to visit property sites that may feature rough terrain and to work outdoors in unfavorable weather conditions. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time with ability to reach, bend and move up/down on steps. Must be able to lift up to 50-pounds.
The position requires considerable concentration, creativity and ability to manage time effectively. The position is subject to stress caused by a changing public environment, mandatory deadlines and heavy workload. Requires the ability to ask questions that will bring forth the information needed to make sound decisions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Harris Central Appraisal District is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic,
including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.