Legal Counsel I

Summary

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.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Functions are identified with an asterisk*)

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.

Technical Responsibilities (Division specific responsibilities)

• Working 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.
• Managing a caseload of primarily straightforward lower value cases.
• Attending mediations and settlement conferences.
• Keeping supervisor abreast of the progress of a case by creating reports and communicating verbally.
• Providing general input to diagnose, investigate and provide solutions to problems.
• Planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. 
• Attending and participating in staff meetings
• Staying informed about current legislation, especially concerning property tax and local government.
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, seminars, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies to meet CLE requirements.
• Demonstrating interest in furthering career development.

Education

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

Experience

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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
• Initiates and maintains strong work and team relationships
• Good judgment/common sense/problem-solving
• Analytical skills: identify legal issues from facts, apply the law, and draw conclusions
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Project management, including high quality, efficiency, and timeliness
• Legal competency/expertise/knowledge of the law
• Dedication to client service/responsive to client
• Initiative/ambition/drive/strong work ethic
• Commitment to the district, its goals, and values
• Commitment to professional development toward excellence
• Integrity/honesty/trustworthiness
• Research skills
• Community and bar association involvement
• Inspires confidence
• Stress/crisis management
• Ability to work independently
• People Skills
• Active listening skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong critical thinking, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
• Adaptability and attention to detail
• Creativity
• Strong computer skills

Competencies Required

Communication - Conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message; listening actively to others

Customer Orientation - Placing a high priority on the internal or external customer's perspective when making decisions and taking action; implementing service practices that meet the customers' and own organization's needs.

Decision Making - Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions; taking action that is consistent with available facts and constraints and optimizes probable consequences.

Emotional Intelligence - Establishing and sustaining trusting relationships by accurately perceiving and interpreting own and others' emotions and behavior; leveraging insights to effectively manage own responses so that one's behavior matches one's values and delivers intended results.

Quality Orientation - Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how detailed; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.

Working Conditions and Physical & Mental Abilities

• Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, walking, talking and hearing, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time in an office setting.
• Position requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment with ability to effectively communicate by phone, e-mail, writing and face to face.
• The position requires considerable concentration and ability to manage time effectively.
• The position is subject to stress caused by mandatory deadlines and heavy workload.

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.