Description

Summary of Position 

The Impact Litigation Attorney (Principal) under general supervision, will be focused on challenging unjust laws, policies, and practices that disproportionately affect our clients, our office, and the broader community. The incumbent will work on high-impact cases, advocating for systemic change and defending the rights of individuals, the public defender's office, and marginalized communities.

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

Essential Duties
Exhibits professional expertise in legal matters and confidently make decisions on complex legal
issues within the requirements of the law and departmental policies;

Identifies potential impact litigation opportunities through thorough investigation, legal research,
client representation, and collaboration with advocacy organizations;

Applies knowledge, skill, and expertise in applicable areas of law, keeping pace with current
legislative and case law developments;

Develops and implements innovative litigation strategies to challenge unjust laws, policies, and
practices that impact individual rights, the rights of our office, and community rights;

Represents clients assertively in impact litigation cases before state and federal courts, including
drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and litigation to settlement or trial;

Advocates passionately for policy changes and legislative reform to address systemic issues
affecting our clients, the public defender's office, and the community;

Works on cases with the potential to set legal precedents or broadly impact laws and regulations;

Stays ahead of legal developments and trends in impact litigation to inform strategic decisionmaking;

Collaborates with other attorneys, community organizations, and experts to build strong,
compelling cases;

Provides mentorship, training, and guidance to less experienced attorneys and support staff;

Maintains meticulous and accurate case files and documentation;

Works closely with Public Defender staff, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialist,
as well as community agencies to match needs of clients with resources, programs, and assistance
provide holistic, client-centered representation;

Maintains strong, ongoing working relationship with clients in person, including visits in
detention facilities, by phone and by mail contact;

May be called as required to represent individuals at investigative proceedings, related civil
matters, and other ancillary issues; may be assigned to handle cases involving post-conviction
writs of habeas corpus and/or appellate relief;

Provides effective representation to clients while managing a large caseload;

Establishes and maintains 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 defendant’s clients during courtroom proceedings;
Assists in departmental policy development; develops unit forms and procedures;
Prepares and presents complex reports as required;

Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions;

Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field;

Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to
maintain continuity of normal operations;

Commits self to providing excellent customer services 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.

Other Important Duties*

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned;
May work extended hours and weekends;
May require travel throughout El Paso County;
Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment;
As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees
are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required
to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of
their supervisor.

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;  criminal and civil law, especially in areas related to impact litigation and civil rights; exceptional legal research, drafting, and courtroom advocacy; 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: operate a personal computer and various software applications; conduct research, develop appropriate documentation, assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands; organize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines with drive and determination; independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment; 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; establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners; Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner; Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; Maintain strict confidentiality; Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner; Project positive support of the department and all organizations receiving El Paso County service at all times; Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence; Pass a Background Check; 

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 county organizations at all times; and,

• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence

Acceptable Experience and Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence, with minimum of four (4) years of experience in criminal and/or civil
law, with a focus on impact litigation or civil rights.

Certificates, Licenses, and Other Requirements
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.

Must be licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
In order to access into the County’s network and systems, a personal smart device is required by
the hire start date.

The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list
of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Job Location (Place(s) where work is performed)
Various areas throughout El Paso County

Equipment (Machines, tools. Etc., used in job performance)

• Computer equipment
• General office equipment
• Other equipment related to job performance