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Attorney

Harris County, Houston, TX, United States


Position Overview
Provide self‑represented litigant services in the Harris County Family District Courts. Establish, modify, and enforce child support, medical support, and visitation orders in the Family District Courts of Harris County as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

Review pleadings and proposed orders from self‑represented litigants in the Harris County Family Courts, ensure pleadings and orders are in compliance with the law, timely communicate legal information to litigants of any defect in the pleadings or orders, explain suggested changes, and advise court that a self‑represented case is ready for final hearing. Timely handle assigned caseload, respond to inquiries, and document all activity in case management system.

Provide information to assist a party in understanding, complying with, or enforcing the party's duties and obligations including, but not limited to, assisting customers at our Satellite Office, one‑on‑one interactions, small group interactions, and presentations.

Establish, modify, and enforce child support, medical support, and visitation orders as assigned in the Harris County District Courts. Timely review pleadings thoroughly prior to court filings. Negotiate pending court cases.

Prepare legal pleadings/documents when necessary. Obtain approval from the Director or designee prior to proceeding with any “originally drafted” documents. Maintain forms file for the SRL Program.

Advance legal education by keeping abreast of case law, attending conferences as requested, and having the ability to cite and apply legal authority.

Requirements

Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree.

Three (3) years of experience working as an attorney in Family Law.

Legal experience representing parties in divorces and suits affecting the parent‑child relationship within the last three (3) years.

Licensure

Licensed by the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to learn and become proficient in various software and web applications.

Proficient using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access in a Windows 2000/XP environment.

Willing to learn and become proficient in other County and State of Texas computer programs.

Strong writing ability and communication skills required.

Preferences

Preferred bilingual English and Spanish.

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

Regular Full‑time

Monday - Friday | Eight (8) hours a day

Start time is between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Hours must equal eight (8) hours per day

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Based on 26 Pay Periods

Plus benefits

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Staff in this position should possess a high level of tolerance for emotionally demanding and stressful work, while at the same time being supportive and understanding of the stresses being experienced by families. This job typically operates in a professional office environment, and uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.

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 movements 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

Accommodations
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

Criminal History Check
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.

Qualifications 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.

Professional Development
Staff shall be provided the opportunity to participate in both in‑service training and occasional extra‑departmental seminars and professional development courses. Staff are responsible for maintaining required training hours two (2) Professional Development classes a year.

Other Conditions
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.

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