0000002598.ATTORNEY I.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County seeks an entry-level prosecutor to perform routine legal work including litigation, research, and drafting documents. The role involves representing the state in pre-trial and trial settings and communicating with defense attorneys, court personnel, victims, and witnesses.

Requires graduation from an accredited law school and a current Texas license. No experience is required; simple oversight and supervision will be provided based on experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Current license to practice law in Texas.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate assigned cases by reviewing documents, researching applicable laws, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and determining actions.
• Draft, file, and respond to motions, briefs, and other legal documents for trials and hearings.
• Explain legal processes to witnesses and keep clients or victims informed on case status.
• Present evidence and materials for trials or hearings.
• Represent the State in trials/hearings by conducting jury selection, opening statements, direct/cross examinations, and closing arguments.
• Participate in settlement or plea negotiations.
• Prepare documents if a settlement/plea is reached and ensure filings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Witness interviews

Case evaluation

Plea negotiations

Education

JD or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Working under immediate supervision, performs entry-level legal work of a routine nature. Work involves litigation and legal research; drafting legal documents; and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations OR prosecutes misdemeanor cases in assigned court. Performs case evaluation, preparation and management; represents the state/client in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials; and ensures effective communication with defense attorneys, court personnel, victims and family members, witnesses and other interested parties. Receives level of oversight, training and supervision based on experience and expertise in misdemeanor prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates assigned cases or lawsuits by:
  • reviewing documentation
  • conducting necessary legal research on applicable laws
  • interviewing witnesses or persons with knowledge of the cases
  • gathering evidence
  • determining most appropriate action(s) to be taken
• Drafts, files and responds to necessary 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 and client in trials and hearings by:
  • conducting jury selection
  • presenting opening statements
  • conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses
  • presenting closing arguments
• Participates in settlement or plea-bargain negotiations.
• Prepares necessary legal documents if settlement or plea-bargain agreement is reached and ensures signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training:

Graduation From An Accredited Law School. No Experience Required.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Standard office and court room environment.