0000003325.ATTORNEY III.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an attorney to perform litigation and prosecutorial duties with authority to make tactical decisions in assigned cases. The role includes case evaluation, preparation and management, and handling felony prosecutions as needed.

Responsibilities cover evaluating complaints, researching applicable laws, drafting motions, presenting evidence, and negotiating plea agreements. A Texas license and one year of practice are required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• One year of experience practicing law.
• Requires current Texas law license.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates criminal complaints, accepts or rejects cases for prosecution, determines charges and prepares indictments.
• Reviews documentation, conducts legal research, interviews witnesses, and gathers evidence.
• Drafts and files motions, briefs, or other documents for trials/hearings.
• Explains legal processes to witnesses and prepares them for court testimony.
• Gathers and presents evidence for trials or hearings.
• Represents the State in hearings and trials with jury selection, openings, examinations, and closings.
• Negotiates settlements or plea bargains and secures approvals.
• Prepares legal documents for settlements and ensures proper signatures/filings.
• May manage court dockets and schedules to meet deadlines.
• Trains or assists in training Attorneys I and II.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal law

Litigation

Prosecution

Courtroom procedures

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

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.