Job Description:
Legal Appellate Attorney IV -- This position represents the Department of Family and Protective Services in original proceedings and appeals before the fourteen Courts of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court. Performs complex research, extensive legal writing, and oral argument before the Courts in matters related to child protection cases, including parental termination cases. Provides highly sophisticated expertise, guidance, advice, and instruction in family law, civil litigation, appellate law, and agency policy. The position routinely counsels and advises on trial and appellate issues to DFPS Office of General Counsel; Regional legal staff; State Office program and field operations staff; County and District Attorneys, and judges, appellate court justices. This position interacts routinely with private and pro bono attorneys, community professionals and expert witnesses; community advocacy groups, inter-agency coordination groups, protective services clients and the general public. Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a reqular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Researches, drafts, files, and argues appellate briefs in all Texas Courts of Appeal and Texas Supreme Court.(70%) Provides legal advice to DFPS Office of the General Counsel on an as needed basis.(5%) Provide consultation on trial issues for CPS and APS matters to county and district attorneys, DFPS attorneys, and program staff.(15%) Researches, analyzes, drafts, and presents case law updates for CLE instruction to DFPS legal staff and outside legal community.(10%) Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of trial and appellate procedure. Knowledge of case law relating to family law, probate and guardianship law, Child Protective Services matters, and Adult Protective Services matters. Ability to synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals to appropriately advise client agency. Ability to convey complex legal issues clearly in writing and oral presentations. Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas. Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas. Two years of experience in the practice of law. Prefer experience in trial and/or appellate matters relating to CPS and/or APS. Additional Information:
MOS Code:
3505
As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
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