Legal Investigator - Children's Protective Services Division

About the role

The Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) seeks a Legal Investigator who is a licensed peace officer as defined in Chapter 2.12 of The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure with a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer (TCOLE) Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certification to join the Investigations Division.

Responsibilities

• Supports attorneys and administrative staff requiring investigations or information for cases represented by the HCAO.
• Secures premises and ensures safety of personnel by monitoring surveillance equipment and access points.
• Investigates security breaches, emergency incidents, and other alarming behavior.
• Covers security breaches, emergency incidents, and other alarming behavior.
• Conducts research to locate witnesses, defendants, and records.
• Serves official court documents such as subpoenas, citations, and TROs in a timely manner, as needed.
• Conducts comprehensive background checks for employment and internship applicants.
• Acts as a liaison between various law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and abroad on behalf of the Harris County Attorney’s Office.
• Fills and maintains records and correspondence in electronic database in compliance with CJIS policy.
• Assists other Investigators as needed.
• Acts in the capacity of peace officer as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a licensed peace officer as defined in Chapter 2.12 of The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Must possess a Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Must have experience utilizing databases such as TCIC/NCIC, TLO, Tracers, and Accurint.
• Must hold a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain a clean driving record.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
• Proficient knowledge of applicable laws and legal processes.
• Proficiency with investigative databases including, but not limited to: NCIC/TCIC, CJIS, TLO, and Accurint.
• Proficiency with technology and software such as Microsoft 365 and Adobe PDF Editor or Nitro Pro.
• Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate workload demands.
• Ability to organize and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to comply with office training requirements.

Qualifications

• Preference given to applicants who have at least two (2) years of investigative experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, incentive pay for bilingual skills is available.

General Information About the Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO)

The Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) serves as the chief civil law office for Harris County, Texas’s largest county. The office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and multiple emergency network agencies in civil legal matters. The office also provides legal advice and counsel to County elected officials, appointed officials, departments, and employees. With more than 300 attorneys and staff, the office handles a broad range of public law, including general counsel services, defensive litigation, affirmative and special litigation, employment, environmental enforcement, real estate, property tax, compliance and revenue, child protective services, disability and elder law, hospital district representation, communications and outreach, and the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library. The County Attorney’s Office plays a vital role in protecting the legal interests of Harris County, advising public officials, supporting effective county operations, and serving the residents of Harris County through high-quality, ethical, and professional legal work.

About County Attorney Abbie Kamin

Harris County Commissioners Court appointed Abbie Kamin to serve as County Attorney. She took office on June 15, 2026. Kamin is a native Houstonian, attorney, and public servant who has represented District C on Houston City Council since 2020. Prior to her service on City Council, she practiced law with a focus on general civil litigation and civil rights litigation, including work involving voting rights and Title IX matters. She also served as Associate Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League’s Southwest Region and previously worked in Texas Legislature. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law and her B.A., cum laude, from Tulane University. County Attorney Kamin leads the office with a focus on effective legal representation, sound public administration, professionalism, and service to Harris County residents.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO and the Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment. The individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones. This position may require driving to off-site locations as part of the regular job requirements. This role requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body, repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, driving, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision-making, organization, the ability to read/write, and the ability to manage workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans. In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures. Legal Investigators may be eligible for specific Harris County incentive pay programs.