Lubbock County officials are grappling with significant staffing challenges in the District Attorney's office, as highlighted during the Commissioners' Court Work Session on June 23, 2025. The meeting revealed ongoing issues with recruitment and retention of attorneys, prompting a request for additional resources to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

The District Attorney's office is currently facing a critical shortage of legal staff, with two positions remaining unfilled for months and three experienced attorneys set to leave for federal jobs or private practice. The DA emphasized that despite efforts to recruit new talent, the office continues to lose attorneys to better-paying positions elsewhere, particularly in federal and private sectors. To address this, the DA proposed three new positions: a legal assistant for the misdemeanor division, an armed investigator for security, and an additional attorney in the appellate division. These roles are deemed essential for managing the increasing workload and ensuring the safety of staff in a building that has seen rising security concerns.

In addition to staffing requests, the DA also advocated for a 6.5% salary increase for attorneys to remain competitive with starting salaries in the region, which have risen significantly. The current starting salary of $80,000 is not sufficient to retain talent, especially as new graduates from Texas Tech Law School command salaries exceeding $100,000. The DA noted that while salary is not the sole reason for turnover, it remains a significant factor.

Moreover, the DA called for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) raise for all Lubbock County employees, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for staff who have remained dedicated despite the challenges.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for the county to address staffing shortages and compensation issues to maintain a functional and effective legal system. As the DA pointed out, the trend of losing attorneys to better-paying positions is not unique to Lubbock County but reflects a broader challenge faced by legal offices across the state. The court's response to these requests will be crucial in shaping the future of the District Attorney's office and its ability to serve the community effectively.