0000003426.ATTORNEY III.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an attorney to provide a full range of legal services to indigent defendants across misdemeanor, felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases. You will conduct case evaluation, provide legal advice, relay plea offers and represent clients in jury trials and non-jury hearings, with supervision based on experience.

Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, and managing case evidence and

Qualifications

• Requires law degree from an accredited school.
• Requires license to practice law in the State of Texas and 1 year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates appointed case or lawsuit by reviewing documentation and interviewing clients and witnesses.
• Interviews clients; discusses facts, potential defenses and applicable laws.
• Explains legal process to witnesses and prepares them for court testimony; informs client status.
• Drafts, files and responds to motions, briefs or other legal documents for trial or hearing.
• Gathers, prepares, reviews and presents evidence for trial or hearing.
• Represents client in trial and hearings, including jury selection and opening/closing statements.
• Participates in plea-bargain negotiations and ensures required signatures and filings.
• Maintains client files, trial notebook, and caseload statistics.
• Trains or assists in training Attorneys I and II.

Skills

Legal research

Client interviews

Trial preparation

Plea negotiations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Texas Bar License

Job description

Job Description

Performs legal assignments with minimum supervision and may be assisted by Attorneys I and II. Work is performed under general directions with authority to make tactical and legal decisions in connection with providing a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned misdemeanor, felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases, to include but not limited to: case evaluation, legal advice, relaying plea offers and representing clients in jury trials, non-jury hearings, plea negotiations and dismissals; ensuring appropriate communication with the client, Judge, prosecuting attorney and court personnel, in addition to trying to contact the clients witnesses and other necessary parties to the case as needed; conducting legal research, drafting legal documents and interpreting laws, rules and regulations; and receives level of oversight, training and supervision based on experience and expertise in assigned area.

Job Description

Performs legal assignments with minimum supervision and may be assisted by Attorneys I and II. Work is performed under general directions with authority to make tactical and legal decisions in connection with providing a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned misdemeanor, felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases, to include but not limited to: case evaluation, legal advice, relaying plea offers and representing clients in jury trials, non-jury hearings, plea negotiations and dismissals; ensuring appropriate communication with the client, Judge, prosecuting attorney and court personnel, in addition to trying to contact the clients witnesses and other necessary parties to the case as needed; conducting legal research, drafting legal documents and interpreting laws, rules and regulations; and receives level of oversight, training and supervision based on experience and expertise in assigned area.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates appointed case or lawsuit by: reviewing documentation; conducting necessary legal research on applicable law; interviewing clients, witnesses or persons with knowledge of the case; reviewing and gathering evidence; preparing investigative requests; and determining most appropriate action(s) to be taken.
• Interviews clients; discusses facts of case, potential defenses and applicable laws and procedures.
• Explains legal process to potential witnesses and prepares witnesses for court testimony and ensures client is informed on status of case.
• Drafts, files and responds to necessary motions, briefs or other legal documents for trial and/or hearing.
• Gathers, prepares, reviews and presents evidence, exhibits and related material for trial or hearing.
• Represents the client in trial and at all applicable hearings by, conducting jury selection, presenting opening statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and presenting closing arguments.
• Participates in plea-bargain negotiations, prepares necessary legal documents and ensures necessary signatures are secured and documents are filed as required.
• Documents client files, prepares trial notebook, and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
• 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 with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. One (1) year experience practicing law required.

Special Requirements

None.

Disclaimers

Disclaimers: This is an “at will” position with no civil service or other appellate rights. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Standard office environment