Reporting to the HFSC General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs (GC and DGA), the Staff or Senior Attorney is responsible for supporting the legal department in its efforts to ensure legal compliance in all aspects of HFSC operations. The Staff or Senior Attorney will collaborate daily with the GC and DGA, HFSC forensic sections and administrative departments, supporting the various legal needs of the corporation, with a specific focus on support to corporate and support departments. Under the guidance of the HFSC GC and DGA, the Staff or Senior Attorney will ensure sound legal advice and counsel is provided to staff members at all levels of the organization. The Staff or Senior Attorney will perform professional and administrative legal functions. The Senior Attorney position may have direct reports. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide significant support to the GC and DGA on corporate/ business matters, within the context of advising a governmental entity and with a focus on employment law, procurement, finance, civil litigation, administrative law, contracts, and related matters.
- Provide support to the GC and DGA in government affairs tasks, projects, and responsibilities including legislative support, talking points, outreach, background reports, and educating elected and appointed officials.
- Provide support to the GC and DGA in matters related to property and evidence management and destruction.
- Provide assistance, support and guidance to the Public Information and Records Management Officer as well as the Client Services and Case Management Division in navigating legal issues regarding the creation, production, retention and destruction of records including expunctions.
- Prepare legal documents, including, but not limited to briefs, pleading, motions, memorandums, and opinions on complex legal issues, with a primary focus on legal issues impacting HFSC�s business operations and obligations as a 501(c)(3) governmental entity.
- As requested, participate in mock trials with staff, providing feedback and working with forensic sections to enhance their mock trial programs.
- Provide significant support to contracts management, ensuring timely processing of requests for contract review, drafting, and editing.
- Ensure legal compliance in all aspects of the mission and organization.
- Assist the GC and DGA in preparing for litigation and administrative hearings and appear in court.
- Research legal issues impacting the organization by identifying applicable statutes, rules, and judicial decisions.
- At the direction of the GC and DGA, provide training to internal and external audiences on substantive legal topics.
- Assist in developing educational and resource materials for internal and external audiences.
- In the absence of, or at the direction of the GC and DGA, attend internal and external meetings with staff, HFSC�s Board of Directors, and/or stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree
- Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas
- For the Staff Attorney, a minimum of 4 years of relevant legal experience is required.
- Demonstrated understanding of employment law, procurement, contracts, and local government law.
- Legal experience representing a government client in non-criminal legal matters.
- Litigation experience is a plus.
- Preference given to candidates with demonstrated understanding of the Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act, Tort Claims Act, and Local Government Code.
- For the Senior Attorney, a minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience is required.
- Demonstrated understanding of employment law, procurement, contracts, and local government law.
- Legal experience representing a government client in non-criminal legal matters.
- Litigation experience is required.
- Preference given to candidates with demonstrated understanding of the Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act, Tort Claims Act, and Local Government Code.
- Experience leading teams is required; experience leading cross-functional teams is a plus.
- Experience presenting and/or providing training on legal issues is required.
- Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with quick turnaround times simultaneously.
- Excellent attention to detail, laser focus on quality, and ability to consider the big picture.
- Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, including the confidence to interact with and influence personnel at all levels.
- Demonstrated skills in listening, responsiveness, flexibility, initiative, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products; specifically, Microsoft TEAMS and Office 365.
Houston Forensic Science Center offers a competitive salary and benefit package. This position offers opportunities for a hybrid work schedule once department milestones and performance standards have been met. Working from home is a benefit and should not be an expectation of employment.
From: Houston Forensic Science Center
Salary
USD 92,692 - 117,613 /yearly
Yearly based
Location
TX , United States Houston, TX, United States
TX , United States Houston, TX, United States
