Role details
General Summary: The Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) is seeking a highly self-motivated and energetic attorney to join the Property Tax Division. The role specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws protecting the interests of Harris County. The property tax collections attorney provides legal counsel, researches, negotiates, drafts legal documents, and ensures timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, including understanding legal principles and procedures. Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide legal counsel for Harris County.
- Assist in development and creation of team processes and procedures.
- Supervise and train support staff.
- Research and analyze legal issues related to the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector (HCTO) policies and procedures relevant to property tax collections.
- Draft, prepare, review, and negotiate settlement agreements related to property tax collections.
- Serve as liaison regarding legal issues affecting client departments and other departments and/or governmental entities.
- Develop and manage relationships with clients, the public, attorneys, and other work groups related to assigned cases.
- Client development and client interaction.
- Work closely with staff on collection and litigation activities.
- Suit preparation and review; motion practice; discovery; large caseload management; substantial trial work in tax court, District Courts, and appellate process.
- Review facts, legal issues, and documents prior to court appearances.
- Assist with appellate and complex matters.
- Perform multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and maintaining high productivity.
- Maintain knowledge of procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.
- Respond promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
- Participate in one-on-one sessions with management for feedback.
- Encourage and mentor attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
- Participate in Division staff meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned. Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: Full-time. Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary; hours may vary based on business needs. Work Environment/Physical Demands: Primarily professional office environment; largely sedentary; standard office equipment use; occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; repetitive motions such as keyboarding. Compensation: Base compensation determined by qualifications and pay of other employees in the job function; total compensation includes paid leave, health benefits, and retirement plans; eligible for compensatory time off for hours worked over 40, consistent with Harris County policies. Additional Employment Conditions: Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Criminal history check applies. Requirements:
- Education/Licensure: JD from an ABA-accredited college of law; active Texas bar license in good standing.
- Supporting application documents: cover letter and resume with three professional references.
- Knowledge/Skills: excellent research, writing, and communication; interpersonal skills; collaborative; proficiency with technology and legal tools (e.g., Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, JIMS, TLO, DEEDS); knowledge of Texas Tax Code, Local Government Code, Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, Texas Rules of Professional Conduct; knowledge relevant to HCTO policies; ability to comply with Harris County personnel policies and County Attorney policies; ability to gather/organize/summarize legal issues quickly; thorough legal/factual analysis and good judgment; occasional extended hours; problem solving, organization, and prioritization; compliance with office training requirements.