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Job Descriptions:

POSITION SUMMARY

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 the forensic sections. The Staff or Senior Attorney will also serve as a liaison between staff and stakeholders within the criminal court system. 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 criminal law and forensic legal issues related to the analysis of forensic evidence.

+ Under the supervision of the GC and DGA, provide legal advice and counsel to HFSC staff members regarding trial court proceedings and post-conviction matters, records requests, court orders for production, discovery, subpoenas, and related matters.

+ Conduct trial preparation for staff, serve as the primary legal representative during staff mock trials, provide feedback and work with forensic sections to enhance their mock trial programs.

+ Prepare legal documents, including, but not limited to briefs, pleadings, motions, memorandums, and opinions on complex legal issues with a primary focus on legal issues impacting HFSC’s forensic sections.

+ 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.

Required Experience:

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree.

+ Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

STAFF ATTORNEY

+ For the Staff Attorney, a minimum of 4 years of relevant legal experience is required.

+ Experience in criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminal litigation is required.

+ Experience in the Harris County criminal justice system and/or a forensic laboratory environment is strongly preferred.

+ Preference given to candidates with demonstrated understanding of legal issues in forensics, namely Brady v. Maryland, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 38.01 and 39.14.

SENIOR ATTORNEY

+ For the Senior Attorney, a minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience is required.

+ Experience in the Harris County criminal justice system and/or a forensic laboratory environment is strongly preferred.

+ Experience presenting and/or providing training on legal issues is required.

+ Experience in criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminal litigation is required.

+ Preference given to candidates with demonstrated understanding of legal issues in forensics, namely Brady v. Maryland, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 38.01 and 39.14.

+ Experience leading teams is required; experience leading cross-functional teams is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

+ 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.

*A Cover Letter submission (along with your resume) is required as part of the application process. Please describe your interest in this position and highlight any relevant qualifications.*

Keyword: Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney- Criminal/Forensic

From: Houston Forensic Science Center