Attorney III
This position is an attorney in the Regional Legal Services Department. The Regional Legal Services Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Regional Legal Services Department is organized into two sections. This position is an attorney in the Guardianship section/team which provides legal support for HHSC Office of Guardianship Services.
The attorney provides legal support to the guardianship program area. The attorney represents the agency in guardianship matters before courts that have probate jurisdiction and facilitates representation in counties in which local prosecuting attorneys provide direct representation.
The attorney manages a diverse guardianship case load, conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, engages in discovery, prepares cases for trial, and represents the agency in hearings. The attorney renders legal advice and provides training for agency program staff. They may be asked to serve on workgroups responsible for reviewing and drafting policies, procedures, and rules in order to effectively implement statutory obligations.
The attorney routinely interacts with guardianship specialists, guardianship supervisors, judges and court staff, investigation witnesses, expert witnesses, protective services, attorneys ad litem, and guardians ad litem.
The attorney works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position may be approved to work remotely up to five days each week. Relocation of this position to another area of the state may be considered upon request.
Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.
Evaluates guardianship cases to ensure legal sufficiency; prepares cases for trial; provides direct representation or facilitates representation at the inception of guardianship; helps ensure guardianship is administered in compliance with statutory, regulatory and policy guidelines. (60%)
Provides legal advice and training to program staff. (25%)
Acts as backup for other guardianship attorneys. (5%)
Participates in work groups, and reviews and comments on draft statutes, rules, and regulations affecting program and agency operations. (5%)
Participates in special projects, develops case management systems, and performs other duties as assigned. (5%)
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
*Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis.
*Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
*Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment.
*Knowledge of guardianship law; elder law, and probate law; as well as civil practice experience.
*Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
*Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.
*Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
*Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing.
*Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff, and the public.
*Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.
*Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer-assisted legal research, word processing software, and the Internet.
Initial Screening Criteria: Must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Must have at least two years experience practicing law. Guardianship, prosecutorial, or other comparable litigation experience preferred but not required.
Final Selection Criteria:
Initial selection criteria plus performance at interview.
Additional Information:Requisition ID: 596789
If selected for an interview, the candidate must provide a writing sample at time of interview.
If the applicant has an AAL certification to handle guardianship cases, please include this information in your application at the top of Page 2, section for license and certification information.
MOS Code:Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to: 27A, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 4405, 4406, 4407, 4408, 4409, 4410, 51JX and 92JO. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at
http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.