Posting number: 26-185
Department: District Attorney - PR_3011 - CPS
Job classification: Family Law Attorney II
Posting type: Open
Categories: Attorney
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.
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.
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.
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THE ANTICIPATED START DATE AND SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS OCTOBER 7, 2026, PENDING COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVAL OF FINAL BUDGET.-
Denton County is located on the north side of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Denton County was established by the Texas legislature on April 11, 1846. In 2024, Denton County's population was over 1 million residents, and it is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Denton County has a total area of 951 square miles. As of 2025, Denton County has 1,987 employees and 43 elected officials. Denton County has one of the lowest county-wide tax rates of the top 15 counties by population in the State of Texas.
Denton County residents enjoy three lakes, beautiful city parks and trails, museums, and other attractions. The county’s proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex offers residents access to several nationally recognized entertainment attractions, including nine other North Texas water bodies, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Stars, the Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
MISSION: Denton County will be recognized as the leader in local government through its excellent service to citizens and quality workforce. We will carry out our duties by respecting citizens, maintaining fiscal responsibility, demonstrating accountability, and fairly and equitably allocating resources.
For employment opportunities, please visit: https://dentoncounty.gov/jobs.
