Family Law Attorney II - District Attorney - Civil

Job Description

Description

The Family Law Attorney II provides direct client representation for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Work involves assisting and advising applicants for court-ordered protective services, preparing and filing requests for court action, and pleading motions in court. Employee is also responsible for conducting emergency hearings in cases of imminent danger to adults or juveniles, performing legal research necessary for the preparation of trials or hearings pertaining to family violence, and/or Child Protective Services, and advising clients of counseling and human services agencies available in the community.

Examples of Duties

Consults with Child Protective Services regarding current cases and their compliance with the Texas Family Code and state and federal regulations.

Conducts Detention Hearings to determine whether or not any juvenile detained for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for court supervision should be released to the supervision of someone in his/her home or if they should remain in detention due to the nature of the offense, failure to respond to supervision, are a danger to themselves or the public if released.

Conducts required hearings to review the progress of the parents and children; conducts emergency hearings to assist Adult Protective Services.

Meets with defense attorney's to discuss any defensive theories for the alleged conduct, any mitigation regarding recommended disposition, providing copies of all relevant information to the attorney, and making formal offers of proposed disposition of the case to remove the need for a trial.

Drafts or reviews paperwork for presentation of petitions to court and hold emergency hearings regarding emergency removals, petitions for aid in an investigation or petitions for parties to participate in Child Protective Services provided services.

Participates in hearings before the court regarding whether a child should have evidence suppressed, discovery provided, deferrals or diversions granted, whether records regarding a child should be sealed, whether or not a child should be released from detention or community supervision early.

Participates in negotiation with respondents or attorneys as necessary.

Prepares for trial to include reviewing entire case file, staffing case with worker and supervisor, creating witness list, reviewing business records, and speaking with witnesses.

Investigates and prepares for Protective Order hearings; presents new Protective Order files to Judges of Denton County; approves protective order applications and ensures all information is available to complete approval process.

Attends adjudication hearings as necessary.

Regular and punctual attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree required for this position.

Minimum 2 years of experience in a related field required.

Requires license to practice law in the State of Texas.

Must be able to pass a State Criminal History background check.

Supplemental Information

To ensure proper delivery of emails please add jobs@dentoncounty.gov to your email safe list.

THE ANTICIPATED START DATE AND SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS OCTOBER 7, 2026, PENDING COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVAL OF FINAL BUDGET.-

Denton County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical and dental coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life; disability, and long term care insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 12 paid holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, a Wellness Program, and more.

*Note: These benefits are not includedfor Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, or any Denton County Part-Time employee.

Denton Countyis an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, mental or physical disability, age, national origin or veteran status.

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeosp.pdf

Family Medical Leave:Denton Countyemployees who have been employed for one year and who have worked 1250 hours in the preceding year may be eligible for up to twelve weeks of FMLA leave.
The FMLA provides for up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave

• for the birth, adoption, or placement of a child for foster care
• to care for a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition
• for an employee with a serious health condition

Employees who will be away from work for one of these reasons should contact Human Resources for additional information. When possible, an employee should provide at least 30 days advance notice. In the case of an emergency, notification should be made as soon as possible.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlasp.pdf

Closing Date/Time: Continuous