National Legal Aid & Defender Association · 1 week ago
El Paso County PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE - PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY (IMPACT LITIGATION ATTORNEY)
El Paso, TX
Contract
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
4+ years expThe National Legal Aid & Defender Association is seeking a Principal Attorney focused on impact litigation. This role involves advocating for systemic change and defending the rights of individuals and marginalized communities through high-impact cases.
LegalNon Profit
Responsibilities
Advocates passionately for policy changes and legislative reform to address systemic issues affecting our clients, the public defender's office, and the community
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
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 decision-making
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
Represents clients assertively in impact litigation cases before state and federal courts, including drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and litigation to settlement or trial
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
Qualification
Required
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
Must have and maintain a license to practice law in the United States and be in good standing with the applicable State Bar
Must obtain a license to practice law in the State of Texas within one year of employment
Must obtain a license to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas within one year of employment
In order to access into the County's network and systems, a personal smart device is required by the hire start date
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
Company
National Legal Aid & Defender Association
National Legal Aid & Defender Association leads a broad network of advocates on the frontlines to advance justice and expand opportunity.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$0.3MKey Investors
Lumina Foundation
2022-02-15Grant· $0.3M
Leadership Team
April Frazier Camara, Esq.
President & CEO
Vernina A.
Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer
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