Assistant County Attorney - Property Tax Division

About the role

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a highly self-motivated and energetic attorney to join the Property Tax Division. The Property Tax Division specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interests of Harris County.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel for Harris County.
• Aid in the development and creation of the team’s 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 relevant to property tax collections.
• Act 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.
• Strong work ethic, great organizational skills, superb inter-personal and social skills, self-starter, responsible, and enjoy working as part of a team.
• 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 all facts, legal issues, and documents in a case prior to court appearance.
• Assist with appellate and complex matters.
• Perform multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
• Maintain knowledge of the 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 to give and receive feedback.
• Encourage and mentor attorneys, paralegals, interns, and law clerks.
• Participate in Division staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association-accredited college of law.
• Active Bar License in Good Standing for the State of Texas.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
• Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, PowerPoint, JIMS, TLO, and DEEDS.
• Knowledge of The Texas Tax Code, the Local Government Code, the Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge of Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector (“HCTO”) policies and procedures relevant to toll road violations.
• Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
• Ability to gather, organize, and summarize legal issues quickly for clients or management, in person or via email.
• Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
• Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to comply with office training requirements.