The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases. The position provides expertise, guidance, and instruction in family law, civil litigation, and agency policy. The position monitors the progress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services court cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):- Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
- Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters.
- Provides agency representation in court cases.
- Prepares cases for trial and handles the trial on most cases.
- Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.
- Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.
- Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, legal pleadings, and reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
- Assists in formulating, establishing, and coordinating office systems.
- Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
- Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):Knowledge of family law and civil practice.
Ability to synthesize the law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff.
Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
Initial Screening Criteria:Graduated from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Work experience in Family Law or Child Welfare Law.
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Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver's record check.
State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
