Job DescriptionThe Business Court Staff Attorney performs advanced (seniorlevel) legal work for the Texas Business Court. They will work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.This position will serve as the Staff Attorney for Judge Grant Dorfman of the Eleventh Business Court Division located in the Harris County area. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Classification level will be determined based on experience. Travel is required up to 15% of the time.
Essential Job Duties - Reviews Business Court records and filings to assist judges in resolving issues presented in Business Court proceedings.
- Conducts electronic legal research and, when necessary, manual research.
- Analyzes statutes, judicial decisions, and other legal sources.
- Assesses cases for jurisdictional issues and attending to special problems and administrative matters.
- Consults with members of the Court in connection with the disposition of substantive and procedural issues, formulating recommendations to the judge, and preparing memoranda and initial drafts of proposed rulings and opinions.
- Assists with review of motions and preparation of separate writings and related work, as assigned.
- Assists judge in preparation for Court proceedings, including making oral presentations addressing Business Court points and attending Court proceedings.
- Reviews petitions, pleadings and motions and makes recommendations to judge as required.
- Assists in processing the work of the Court, observing its rules, following its processes and procedures, and adhering to the confidentiality policy set by the Business Court.
- Performs related work as assigned and complies with all OCA policies.
Minimum Qualifications - Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Experience as a practicing attorney.
Preferred Qualifications - Previous court experience.
- Experience on a law review, law journal, or other publication.
- Trial, moot court and/or mock trial experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Knowledge of general legal principles.
- Knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, Uniform System of Citation, and Texas Rules of Form.
- Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve legal and procedural issues and to present findings and conclusions, both orally and in writing.
- Excellent legalresearch skills, including a proficiency in computer research and cite checking.
- Excellent legal writing, editing, and proofing skills.
- Word processing skills.
- Ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.
Working Conditions - Regular attendance required.
- Travel may be required.
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Requires some lifting, up to 20 pounds.
- Requires operation of a motor vehicle to conduct agency business.
- Adhere to the Court's policies and procedures.
- Valid Texas driver's license required to operate a motor vehicle to conduct agency business.
Military/Veteran InformationApplicable MOS codes can be found under Occupational Category for the respective Class Title. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf
How to ApplyAll applications for employment with the Office of Court Administration must be submitted electronically through CAPPS Careers and include a resume. Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application. All sections of applications must be complete, including start and end dates of work experiences.
