Job Title Assistant County Attorney
Division Property Tax
Sections
Reports To J.R. Harris
Requisition # TBD
ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY – PROPERTY TAX DIVISION
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) is seeking a highly self-motivated and energetic attorney to join the Property Tax Division which specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interest of Harris County. The Attorney in this role is responsible for providing legal counsel, researching, negotiating, and drafting legal documents, including, but not limited to, the job duties listed below, and ensures the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide legal counsel for Harris County.
• Assist in the development and creation of the team’s process and procedures.
• Supervise and train support staff.
• Research and analyze legal issues related to the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector
(“HCTO”) policies and procedures relevant to property tax collections.
• Draft, prepare, review, and negotiate settlement agreements relevant to property tax collections.
• Act as liaison regarding legal issues affecting client departments and other departments and/or governmental entities.
• Develop and manage relationships with clients, the public, attorneys, and other work groups related to assigned cases.
• Client development and client interaction.
• Strong work ethic, great organizational skills, superb inter-personal and social skills, self- starter, responsible, and enjoy working as part of a team.
• Work closely with staff on collection and litigation activities.
• Suit preparation and review, motion practice, discovery, large caseload management, substantial trial work in tax court, District Courts, and appellate process.
• Review all facts, legal issues, and documents in a case prior to court appearance.
• Assist with appellate and complex matters.
• Perform multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
• Maintains knowledge of the procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.
• Respond promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
• Participate in one-on-one sessions with management to give and receive feedback.
• Encourage and mentor attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
• Participate in Division staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Duties:
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
• Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, PowerPoint, JIMS, TLO, and DEEDS.
• Knowledge of The Texas Tax Code, the Local Government Code, the Texas and Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge of Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector (“HCTO”) policies and procedures
relevant to toll road violations.
• Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
• Ability to gather, organize, and summarize legal issues quickly for clients or management, in person or via email.
• Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
• Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to comply with office training requirements.
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Active Bar License in Good Standing for the State of Texas.
• A minimum of three (3) years of legal experience.
Position Type, Typical Work Schedule, and Work Environment:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00
AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO.
This position primarily operates in a professional office environment. The individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.
Physical and Mental Demands:
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 motions 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.
Compensation:
The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.
In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.
Supporting Job Application Documents:
Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references.