COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - DIVISION UNIT CHIEF (CIVIL LITIGATION UNIT)

Doctor of Jurisprudence and a minimum of six (6) years of criminal and civil experience; with three (3) years of mid to senior level management experience with attorneys; and independently handling trial work; Extensive defense side litigation experience in employment and handling complex civil legal matters. Must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.

Supervises department employees, including assigning and reviewing work, training completing performance evaluations, and making recommendations on hiring, terminating, and disciplining personnel;

Selects, motivates, and evaluates department staff; provides or coordinates training and works with employees to correct deficiencies;

Plans, directs, and coordinates, through staff, the program work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures;

Participates in the development of the County's plans and programs as a strategic partner;  

Translates the strategic and tactical business plans into the department’s strategic and operational plans; Initiates and assists with the development of internal operating procedures, policies, and controls;  

Maintains a highly competent staff to meet the established needs of the entities;

Prepares specifications, technical reports, correspondence, and contracts for services;  

Makes presentations to the Commissioners’ Court, boards, civic groups and the general public;

Assists attorneys with brainstorming and research on legal issues;

Monitors legal service delivery and maintains quality control;

Assists attorneys with handling cases and matters;

Maintains working relationships with Commissioners Court, Judges, agency representatives, elected officials and department heads of the County and County Hospital District and appointed members of County Boards;

Performs all aspects of client representation as necessary, including: legal research, drafting and negotiation of documents, interviewing clients, preparation for court or meetings and handling appellate matters;

Maintains working relationships with Commissioners Court, Judges, agency representatives, elected officials and department heads of the County and County Hospital District and appointed members of County Boards;

Maintains case files and updates database to maintain accuracy and timeliness of information;

Is responsible for day-to-day administration of the assigned units including case and matter assignments, timely handling of case and matters, proper archiving and maintenance of case files and matter files, and responsiveness to clients and public;

Monitors legislative activity relating to supervised units and suggest legislative proposals to the Department Head Attorney;

Maintains community contact with organizations affected by unit activities;

May represents the Department Head Attorney before the public and with the media in their absence or as requested;

Contributes to a positive work environment;

Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions;   

Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Depending on area assigned: County Attorney Office: 

Supervises a division providing:

Represents the State of Texas in the prosecution of misdemeanor level crimes or civil violations for illegal dumping, clean air and water violations deceptive business practice and hot checks; prosecutes juvenile delinquency matters; may also prosecute bond forfeitures and represent the State in expunction proceedings;

Provides legal representation to obtain protective orders for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking/harassment; provides representation in child protective services cases and elder abuse, as well as mental health proceedings;   

Provides general counsel services on a wide variety of civil matters including contract review, issuance of opinions, advising with respect to open government requirements; may review, analyze and draft legislation, as well as policies and procedures; attends and assists at the meetings of the Commissioners Court as well as numerous county boards and entities;     

Provides representation to the County and its officials and employees in civil litigation brought against the County in both federal and state courts. interpretation and enforcement of land use regulations;

Provides representation to the Hospital District and affiliated non-profit entities. Attends and assists at the meetings of the governing boards for respective affiliates; and

May design and implement office wide professional development and coaching.  

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned;

May work extended hours and weekends;  

Regular out of town travel for professional conferences and meetings;

Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment;  

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.  

The Division/Unit Chief performs highly responsible administrative, and supervisory work in the management and coordination of the assigned Attorney’s Office and depending on area of assignment: provides complex general counsel for various County Offices and staff; provides representation in matters, including civil, or prosecutorial; defends, and advocates for clients accused of a crime; performs the most complex supervisory legal work; and may carry a caseload as needed.  

This is the second in a series of three supervisory attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family.

Reports to: Senior Division Chief or First Assistant

Directs: A division of Attorneys and other staff.

Other: Has contact with department heads and/or staff in order to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities, attorney’s, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law 

enforcement, witnesses, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the general public.

Knowledge of: County, state, and federal legal principles, practices, procedures regarding the court system; state statutes and codes; case law; rules of evidence; contract terminology and requirements; legal practices and procedures; legal terminology; principles, practices, concepts, and strategies in a large public agency; effective management and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques department policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment; budget preparation to project and budget for future needs and costs of services, equipment, supplies and staff; County organization, operations, policies and procedures; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products. Skill/Ability to: Plan, direct, and organize assigned activities of the department simultaneously providing a variety of services; understand business functions and metrics within the County, local government, and attorney office;  interpret information to determine organizational impact in making decisions and/or recommendations; may require advanced written advocacy skills and/or experience depending on placement needed within the office; possesses advanced litigation and prosecutorial skills, or equivalent specialized prosecutorial skills; supervise, train, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; lead and motivate subordinates; prepare and give presentations on the department’s activities, functions, and issues; establish and maintain effective working and diplomatic relations with County offices and departments, the public and representatives from governmental, industry, media, and other agencies; supervise, train, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; lead and motivate subordinates; operate a personal computer and various software applications; conduct research, develop appropriate documentation, assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands to meet scheduled requirements; establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and customers to promote and support a productive work environment; defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions work efficiently independently and in a team environment to meet established goals and objectives; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms to respond effectively to customers and staff; and exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines in performance of daily duties; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports. Pass a background investigation.

 Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:  

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team-oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all organizations receiving El Paso County service at all times; and,
• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.

Salary : $139,834 - $178,467