Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Austin, TX

Government

Austin, TX

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Austin, TX

Attorney

Min 3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Attorney IV

Job Responsibilities:
- Assist in implementing the goals of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH), established by the **Members Only** and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The Commission aims to enhance the functioning of criminal and civil courts in delivering justice to Texans facing mental health challenges or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through judicial and attorney education, collaboration with mental health and IDD experts, and judicial leadership.
- Perform highly complex legal work with limited supervision, allowing for considerable initiative and independent judgment.
- Lead or assist with technical assistance projects to educate and support courts in establishing mental health courts, dockets, or judicial practices to improve responses to individuals with mental illness or IDD. This includes organizing regional conferences, developing web-based content, creating judicial tools and resources, and connecting courts with mentor courts. Travel to regional, state, and national conferences and meetings is required to learn and share best practices.
- Participate in strategic planning to improve outcomes for children and adults with mental health challenges or IDD as they intersect with justice systems. Assist in planning and conducting JCMH meetings with agendas, reports, presentations, and budgets.
- Build relationships with stakeholders and represent the JCMH in its mission to institutionalize collaboration among executive, legislative, judicial, and tribal nation leaders.
- Identify measurable project goals and objectives, including criteria for evaluating a project and its objectives, and demonstrate excellent project management skills related to timeliness, progress, accountability, and budgeting. Develop and follow communication and action plans for projects.
- Author or contribute to written and other materials as required, including reports, newsletters, articles, educational and reference resources, opinion and editorial pieces, speeches, judicial directives, policy and data analysis, and JCMH website content.
- Support JCMH workgroups as assigned, which may involve convening multi-disciplinary stakeholders, facilitating substantive planning sessions, creating project timetables, evaluating strategies and proposed solutions, and producing related reports.
- Perform research on proposed legislation to assess its impact on Texas courts and draft policy memoranda or research reports as appropriate. Support statewide efforts to implement recently enacted laws as assigned.
- Develop project schedules, work plans, resource requirements, and cost estimates.
- Coordinate program activities with other state agencies, governmental jurisdictions, or private sector partners and contractors. Supervise the work of other staff and interns as assigned.
- Perform related work as assigned.

Education and Experience Information:
- At least three years of experience as a licensed attorney.
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (.) degree or equivalent degree sufficient for admission to the State Bar of Texas.
- Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Candidates must possess excellent skills in writing, teaching, facilitation, and project management.
- Experience with the Texas court system and knowledge of state laws regarding criminal justice, juvenile justice, and/or civil commitments are preferred.
- Travel required, but no more than 30%, likely less.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and agency administrative rules and regulations. Knowledge of mental health and IDD law and treatment.
- Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in applying reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
- Skill in understanding and processing information, using office equipment, and expertise in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
- Ability to initiate, manage, develop, oversee, and evaluate mission-oriented programs that are highly complex, with large budgets, long-range time frames, and a high level of systemic impact.
- High emotional intelligence, communication skills, and ability to multitask in a busy office.
- Knowledge of factors impacting well-being and mental health. Ability to interact professionally with elected officials. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, determine priorities, and meet deadlines.

Registration, Certification, or Licensure:
- Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas with at least three years of Texas licensure.

Salary Information:
- $92,600 - $156,612

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.