0000000377.ATTORNEY III.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County in Texas seeks a licensed attorney to perform litigation and prosecution duties, including case evaluation, legal research, and trial preparation. The role involves representing the State or clients in hearings and trials, preparing and presenting evidence, and negotiating settlements.

The ideal candidate has a JD, Texas license, and at least one year of practice, with experience as a lead prosecutor for misdemeanors or experience in civil litigation or appeals.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• One year of experience practicing law.
• Current license to practice law in Texas.
• Experience as lead prosecutor for misdemeanors, civil litigation, or appellate work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates criminal complaints, accepts or rejects cases for prosecution, determines appropriate charges to be filed, and prepares required documentation for indictments.
• Evaluates assigned cases by reviewing documentation, conducting and interpreting legal research, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence.
• Drafts, files, and responds to motions, briefs or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings.
• Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and keeps clients or victims informed on case status.
• Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related material for trials or hearings.
• Represents the State or clients in hearings and jury trials by conducting jury selection, presenting opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
• Negotiates settlements or plea-bargains and obtains approvals of plea agreements.
• Prepares legal documents if settlements or plea bargains are reached and ensures signatures and filings are completed.
• May manage court dockets and case schedules to meet deadlines and maintain records.
• Trains or assists in training Attorneys I and II.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Courtroom testimony

Witness interviewing

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Job Description

Performs assignments involving litigation and legal research with authority to make tactical and legal decisions in connections with assigned cases OR prosecutes felony cases in assigned court, to include case evaluation, preparation and management.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates criminal complaints, accepts or rejects cases for prosecution, determines appropriate charges to be filed, and prepares required documentation for indictments.
• Evaluates assigned cases or lawsuits by:
  reviewing documentation, conducting and interpreting legal research on applicable laws, rules and interviewing witnesses or persons with knowledge of the cases, and gathering evidence.
• Drafts, files, and responds to motions, briefs or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings.
• Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and ensures clients or victims/families are kept informed on status of cases.
• Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related material for trials or hearings.
• Represents the State or clients in hearings and jury/court trials by:
  conducting jury selection,
  presenting opening statements,
  conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and
  presenting closing arguments.
• Negotiates settlements or plea-bargains and obtains approval of plea-bargains or settlement agreements.
• Prepares legal documents, if settlements or plea-bargain agreements are reached, and ensures proper signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
• May manage court dockets and case schedules to ensure deadlines are met and records and documentation are accurate and up-to-date.
• Trains or assists in training Attorneys I and II.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training

Graduation from an accredited law school. One (1) year of experience practicing law.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas. Requires experience as a lead prosecutor for all levels of misdemeanor offenses, or experience providing legal services in conjunction with civil litigation, or appellate work on direct appeals.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Standard office and court room environment.