General Counsel

Salary commensurate with experience.

SUMMARY

Appointed by the Commissioners Court, and under general supervision of the County Judge and Commissioners, the purpose of the position is to serve as legal counsel to the Commissioners Court. Persons in this classification are responsible for providing legal advice and opinions to the Commissioners Court and other duties as assigned by the Court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Functions as legal counsel to the County Judge, Commissioners Court, and county departments, which report to the Commissioners Court.
• Renders oral and written legal opinions to the County Judge and Commissioners on matters relating to the operation of county government.
• Renders legal decisions to the County Judge and Commissioners that have countywide, and/or long-term implications.
• Assists the County Judge's office in the preparation of notices of meetings of the Commissioners Court, the agenda for meetings and other public notices as required.
• Attends regular and special meetings of the Commissioners Court as directed to provide legal advice and clarify county policy.
• Assists the County Judge's office in the preparation of minutes and/or certified agendas of the meetings of the Commissioners Court
• Drafts and recommendations for approval of county orders and resolutions.
• Drafts or reviews deeds, easements, rights-of-way, releases, contracts, plots, development applications, and other legal instruments that involve the county.
• Represents county in land purchases, sales and leases.
• Remains informed of state and federal legislation and judicial decisions that might impact county government.
• As directed, attends meetings with county officials, employees, representatives of other governmental units, businesses, and/or the public.
• Serves on committees responsible for drafting and amending County personnel policies and development rules.
• Prepares and monitors the Office of General Counsel's annual budget.
• Researches, drafts, and advises on open government, conflict of interest, county government, tort, contract, employment, constitutional, and election laws.
• Assesses legal and political implications of departmental actions within the county.
• Assists in the representation of the county in legal matters as directed.
• Researches, performs and analysis, and drafts concerning Public Information Act requests as directed.
• Monitors the work of any outside attorneys hired by or provided for the county other than the Criminal District Attorney and attorneys assigned to that department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Requires five years legal experience with three years experience working with governmental entities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• State of Texas licensed attorney.
• Ability to maintain continuing education requirements of the State Bar of Texas.
• Current Texas driver's license.