Defense Attorney for Specialty Court

Defense Attorney for Drug Divert Specialty Court

(Contractual Position April 2024-September 2024)

Monthly Salary: $2,940.00

Purpose of Classification

The Cameron County Drug Divert Court seeks an attorney that wishes to practice in the specialty court. We are seeking an attorney that wants to work with clients with mental health and/or substance abuse use disorders. This requires strong communication skills with clients and their families. A knowledge of the different services available. Four years in Specialty Courts preferred.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Summary of Duties: Prepares cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses; attends lengthy weekly court sessions, participates in court staffings, interviews clients and prospective witnesses; prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers; conducts legal research; represents misdemeanor and/or felony clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions, and other proceedings; interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial; determines need for expert witnesses; locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed; performs related work as required.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Must be an active member and in good standing with the Texas Bar.

Ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients.

Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure.

Good knowledge of the Ten Key Components of the National Association of Drug Court Programs.

Good knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.

Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence.

Good knowledge of the pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.

Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.

Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written and oral form.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and other professionals, as well as clients and the general public.

Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data.

Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.

Ability to make regularly scheduled court appearances; conduct case evaluation, investigation and preparation including but not limited to witness interviews, legal research, motion preparation, and related work as required; provide qualified and approved substitute counsel when unable to make regularly scheduled court appearances.

Occasional unscheduled matters may arise.

Ability to recognize potential conflicts of interest requiring recusal.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.