County of El Paso
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE - PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY (IMPACT LITIGATION ATTORNEY)
County of El Paso, Granite Heights, Wisconsin, United States
Overview
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. Acceptable Experience and Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence, with a 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 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. Scope and General Information
The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. Essential Duties
Advocates passionately for policy changes and legislative reform to address systemic issues affecting clients, the public defender's office, and the community. Exhibits professional expertise in legal matters and confidently makes 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, mitigation specialists, and community agencies to match client needs with resources and 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 detention facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact or letters to defendants not in custody. Performs as trial counsel by representing defendants' 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. Qualifications – 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. Skills/Abilities 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 take initiative in a fast-paced environment; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners; interface with others in a courteous and respectful manner; demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; maintain strict confidentiality; project positive support of the department and all organizations receiving El Paso County service; maintain the County’s commitment to customer service excellence; pass a background check. 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 staff to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities with attorneys, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law enforcement, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the general public. Other Considerations
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 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.
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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. Acceptable Experience and Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence, with a 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 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. Scope and General Information
The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. Essential Duties
Advocates passionately for policy changes and legislative reform to address systemic issues affecting clients, the public defender's office, and the community. Exhibits professional expertise in legal matters and confidently makes 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, mitigation specialists, and community agencies to match client needs with resources and 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 detention facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact or letters to defendants not in custody. Performs as trial counsel by representing defendants' 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. Qualifications – 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. Skills/Abilities 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 take initiative in a fast-paced environment; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners; interface with others in a courteous and respectful manner; demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; maintain strict confidentiality; project positive support of the department and all organizations receiving El Paso County service; maintain the County’s commitment to customer service excellence; pass a background check. 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 staff to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities with attorneys, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law enforcement, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the general public. Other Considerations
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 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.
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