Legal Operations Director

Position Description

The Legal Operations Director will be responsible for the development and integration of the policies, processes, and procedures related to the Legal Defense Program in the MAC Office. The Legal Operations Director's tasks include but are not limited to management over attorney caseload monitoring, case management integration, Public Information Act requests, and overall attorney compliance with MAC performance standards and expectations. The Legal Operations Director will be the lead on the implementation of the MAC Plan of Operation and provide time-sensitive solutions should urgent situations arise with MAC-appointed attorneys, MAC clients, the judiciary, or MAC staff. The Legal Operations Director will manage a system that is responsive to inquiries and complaints in regard to MAC-appointed attorneys. The Legal Operations Director will measure the program's progress and report to the Executive Director. The Legal Operations Director will perform other duties as requested by the Executive Director which may include serving as backup to the Executive Director and other members of the management team when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management over integration of data into case management system.
• Management over attorney compliance with MAC voucher procedures.
• Maintaining fair and equal case distribution system and monitoring attorney caseloads in accordance with MAC adopted caseload standards.
• Review performance of direct supervisees and conduct personnel evaluations on a periodic basis.
• Management over Public Information Act process and requests.
• Implement and monitor attorney compliance with MAC performance standards and expectations.
• Manage system that is responsive to inquiries and complaints in regard to MAC-appointed attorneys.
• Provide time-sensitive solutions should urgent situations arise with MAC-appointed attorneys, MAC clients, the judiciary, or MAC staff.
• Identify and report performance metrics that measure success of the overall MAC program.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director (ex. serving as backup to the Executive Director and other members of the management team as needed, draft grants, PIA requests responses).

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Required Attachments:

Applicants must submit all required documentation to be considered eligible:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three (3) references with contact information include the nature of the relationship.
• A writing sample specifically in the area of criminal law that does not exceed 6 double-spaced pages.
• A current letter of good standing from your state bar of practice.

Education and Experience:

• A Juris Doctorate degree and either
• A Texas law license in good standing OR
• Proof of submission for admission without examination with 30 days of acceptance of offer is required (permission of submissions beyond 30 days are based upon exigent circumstances and within Executive Director's discretion).
• At least eight (8) years as a criminal trial attorney, with a significant portion of that time specifically in criminal defense.
• A minimum of one (1) year of management or leadership experience.
• Management or leadership experience should include titles as an Executive Director, Deputy Director, Division Chief, Supervisor, or Partners/Owners of a Law Firm. Equivalent of these titles will be considered on a case by case basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of Texas criminal law, procedure, and evidence.
• Must be able to manage a variety of positions to practice law in a large institutional environment.
• Problem solving, emotional stability, attention to detail, and time management.
• Must possess deep knowledge of operations including but not limited to case management systems, attorney compliance, policy drafting, and caseload management.
• Must have quick and efficient decision-making skills.
• Must be able track operational progress and generate reports.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Applicants who are currently licensed to practice in Texas.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time | 40 Hours Per Week
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• In-person.
• Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.

Salary:

• $140,000.00 - 155,000 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 pay periods

Location:

• 1310 Prairie Street Houston, TX 77002

Physical Demands:

• This job operates in a professional office environment with general office equipment usage of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines and is in person. The physical demands associated with this job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 30 pounds.

Note: Ongoing interviews, position will remain open until filled.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.

The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
  • Accrual rates increase based on years of service
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
• Flexible schedule (varies by department)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website: