John Orton Email & Phone Number

El Paso, Texas

Screen all federal and state prisoner petitions, motions, and complaints filed in the El Paso Division, including habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentences, and civil rights complaints. Review dockets to ensure appropriate case progress. Maintain liaison between the Court and litigants. Conduct computer-assisted electronic legal research in analyzing sources such as statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, legal codes, and rules of procedure. Attend hearings and evaluate evidence. With limited guidance from five United States District Judges, prepare approximately 300 dispositive and non-dispositive opinions and orders for the Court each year. Review and edit work of law clerks and other staff when requested. Conduct indoctrination and training of law clerks. Compile statistics and prepare periodic reports which reflect the status and flow of cases.

Austin, Texas

Represented state agencies and their employees in lawsuits involving alleged civil rights violations, employment discrimination, and torts in both federal and state courts. With limited guidance and exercising independent judgment, conducted investigations, performed research, and drafted petitions, motions, pleadings, orders, appellate briefs, and other documents related to assigned cases. Analyzed complex factual and legal issues. Developed evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery tools. Participated in mediation and settlement negotiations in advance of trial. Wrote and argued pretrial motions. Prepared cases and performed all duties of lead trial counsel. Conducted voir dire, gave opening statements and closing arguments, examined and cross-examined witnesses. Prepared post-trial motions. Performed all necessary appellate work, including research, brief writing, and verbal argument before federal and state appellate courts.

Austin, Texas

Assisted Governor George W. Bush in awarding and administering approximately $165-million in state and federal grant funds for criminal justice, juvenile justice, and victim services projects. Furthered the development of innovative local, regional, and statewide criminal justice projects with the goal of making Texas a safer place. Reviewed requests for funding to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. Drafted and reviewed contracts for use by state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Negotiated inter-agency agreements. Responded to ethics questions from staff, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations seeking grant aid. Monitored developments in Congress and the Texas Legislature impacting on the criminal justice system; prepared reviews of new legislation. Interpreted existing statutes and regulations. Prepared proposed legislation and agency regulations. Monitored developments in the courts concerning criminal justice matters; prepared summaries of court decisions. Advised managers on legal, personnel, and administrative matters. Provided legal advice to various boards appointed by the Governor and ensured compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Drafted correspondence and press releases for the Governor.

Master Of Laws (Ll.M.), International Law And Legal Studies

Doctor Of Law (J.D.), Law

Master Of Public Administration (Mpa), Government Administration

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Government And International Relations

Diploma