Job Details

Salary: $90,987.12 - $126,693.46 Annually
Location : 79901, TX
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2025-00096
Department: County Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 03/04/2025

Minimum Qualifications
*Salary dependent on qualifications and experience*
Acceptable Experience and Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence and a minimum of three (3) years of criminal and/or civil experience;

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities along with a Doctor of Jurisprudence.
*Bilingual in English and Spanish Preferred*

Certificates and Licenses Required
Must have and maintain a license to practice law in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Depending on area assigned: 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
Typical Duties
Essential Duties

The Sr. Trial Attorney under general direction, prosecutes criminal, civil and family law cases; experience with prosecution of juvenile delinquency matters; must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills
Reviews case facts for legal sufficiency, drafts motion statements and prepares required legal documents;
Researches statutes and case law issues and revises legal documents to reflect new legislation;
Examines video, file and physical case evidence;
Confers with attorneys regarding case information and pleadings, law enforcement agencies regarding case investigation and trial preparation, and witnesses regarding case preparation and testimony;
Edits legal documents prepared by support staff;
Responsible for litigating routine to complex hearings, trials and appeals;
Prepares and presents oral arguments for routine to complex cases;
Frequent handling of confidential legal information and documents;
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.

Represents all indigent persons charged with serious crimes in the County, including capital murder, murder, and manslaughter;

Defends individuals charged with felonies for which a sentence of incarceration may be imposed;

Provides effective representation to clients while managing a large and complex caseload;

May concentrate in representing specific types of most complex and high profile cases such as family, juvenile, indigent, mental health etc.;

Works closely with community agencies to match needs of clients with resources, programs, and assistance;

Handles arraignment court and bond court;

Meets with clients when arrested and obtains their history to make bond arguments to the court;

Maintains working relationship with clients in person, by phone and by mail contact;

May be called to represent individuals at investigative proceedings; may be assigned to handle cases involving post-conviction or appellate relief;

Interviews and counsels respondents in mental health proceedings in Local or State treatment units where they may be confined and works closely with psychiatrists and other medical or treatment personnel;

Maintains extensive contact with various State legal offices, social service agencies, Correctional facilities staff, police, forensic authorities, crime labs, and pathologists;

Maintains frequent contact with the Department of Family and Protective Services, Department of State Health and agencies regarding the referral of clients for drug treatment, family counseling and other assistance;

Investigates alleged crime or offense by meeting with witnesses, police officers and reviewing the facts;

Meets with the client to discuss the appropriate action to be taken and whether pre-trial motions should be filed;

Establishes close contact with defendants by regular visits to the Correctional facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact or by letters to defendants not in custody;

Performs as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceeding;

Researches case law, communicates with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments;

Acts as negotiator between the defendant and the State's Attorney's Office to secure acquittals or reach agreement concerning sentence time which would be the most beneficial for the defendant and the State's Attorney's Office;

Researches case law and witness testimony, conducts investigations and negotiates with the State's Attorney's Office;

Analyzes facts, evidence and the strength of case, determines client's wishes and meets with prosecutor to resolve the matter short of trial;

Represents defendants during other court proceedings;

Prepares pre-trial motions such as Answer to Discovery, Motions to Suppress Evidence, Motions to Dismiss and Motions to Additional Discovery, which are required to be filed and a hearing set to ensure that they are carried out properly; and

Prepares post-trial matters such as motions to withdraw pleas, motions to reconsider sentence and post-conviction petitions.
County Attorney Office:

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 prosecute bond forfeitures and represents 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, 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 agains 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.

Job Summary

Summary of Position
The Senior Trial Attorney under general supervision, and depending on area of assignment: provides complex general counsel for various County Offices and staff, depending on area assigned the incumbent; prosecutes criminal, civil and family law cases; provides representation in matters, including civil, or prosecutorial; defends, and advocates for clients accused of a crime; performs complex non-supervisory legal work. This is the second in a series of three non-supervisory attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family.
Additional Information

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: County, state, and federal legal principles, practices, procedures regarding the court system; state and local statutes and codes; case law; rules of evidence; contract terminology and requirements; legal practices and procedures; legal terminology; department policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment; 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: may require strong written advocacy skills and/or experience depending on placement needed within the office; possesses advanced litigation and prosecutorial skills, or equivalent specialized prosecutorial skills; 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; exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines in performance of daily duties; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work. 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.
Organizational Relationships
Reports to: Trial Team Chief, Division Chief, Senior Division Chief
Directs: This is a non-supervisory position
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.
El Paso County offers a very comprehensive benefit package (some benefits may not apply to part time or temporary employees) consisting of the following:

HOLIDAYS
16 holidays per year as recognized.
VACATION
Accruals are credited on a biweekly basis and available for use as it is accrued after 6 months of continuous service. Year to year carry-over accruals are limited to twice the employee's annual rate. Part-time employees accrue vacation at half the rate of full-time employees.
10 days (1 through less than 5 years of service)
15 days (5 through less than 15 years of service)
20 days (15 years of service or over)
SICK LEAVE
Accruals are credited on a biweekly basis and available for use as it is accrued after 3 months of full time service. Employees accrue 15 days of sick leave per year.
MISCELLANEOUS PAID LEAVES
Military Leave - 15 days of paid leave per fiscal year for active military service
Bereavement Leave - 3 days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family members and 4 hours for other family members and friends.
MEDICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Plan Costs - Biweekly Rates

Effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025

Medical
Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP)
No Discounts
EE Only $5.34
EE & Spouse $145.30
EE & Children $101.93
EE & Family $238.07

2% Tobacco-Free Discount
EE Only - $5.24
EE & Spouse - $142.39
EE & Children - $99.89
EE & Family - $233.31

4% Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $5.14
EE & Spouse - $139.49
EE & Children - $97.85
EE & Family - $228.55

6% Tobacco-Free AND Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $5.04
EE & Spouse - $136.58
EE & Children - $95.81
EE & Family - $223.79

Core Plan
No Discounts
EE Only - $35.70
EE & Spouse - $226.41
EE & Children - $174.96
EE & Family - $358.61

2% Tobacco-Free Discount
EE Only - $34.98
EE & Spouse - $221.88
EE & Children - $171.46
EE & Family - $351.44

4% Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $34.26
EE & Spouse - $217.35
EE & Children -$167.96
EE & Family - $344.27

6% Tobacco-Free AND Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $33.56
EE & Spouse - $212.83
EE & Children - $164.46
EE & Family - $337.09
RETIREMENT
Retirement benefits are provided by the Texas County and District Retirement Fund (TCDRS). Regular employees become a member of TCDRS upon hire. All regular employees are required to contribute 7% to the retirement fund and the County matches 250% upon eligible retirements.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees may defer earnings, on a pre-tax basis, into a 457 deferred compensation program. This is an optional program.

LIFE INSURANCE
Full-time County employees are provided a basic life insurance benefit of $10,000 life insurance at no cost. Supplemental coverage is available for additional fees.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The Long-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident for a period above 90 days.

SHORT-TERM DISABILITY
The Short-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident for a period shorter than 90 days.

RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees who retire from the County are eligible to continue Health Insurance at the rate set by the El Paso County Risk Pool Board.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistance Program that provides a variety of counseling services.

SECTION 125 MEDICAL & DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM
The section 125 program is optional for employees and provides a method to pay medical and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE REIMBURSEMENT
Reimbursement of $15 per month for 6 months of continuous gym usage.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EdAP)
Reimbursement up to $2000 per calendar year for eligible education expenses.

EMPLOYEE FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER
The Employee Fitness and Wellness Center opened in October 2021 at the County Courthouse. The cost is $5 per employee per month.
01

Do you have a Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best describes your experience as a practicing attorney?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years experience
• 2 to less than 3 years experience
• 3 to less than 5 years experience
• 5 to less than 7 years experience
• 7 to less than 9 years experience
• More than 9 years experience

03

Do you currently maintain a license to practice law in the State of Texas and are you in good standing with the State Bar of Texas?

• Yes
• No

04

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

• Yes
• No

05

I UNDERSTAND In order for my application to be considered complete, I must answer all the questions in this application. Incomplete or illegible applications will be rejected. A rsum and/or other documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Comments such as "See Rsum" are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete.

• Yes
• No

Required Question