0000003510.Attorney I.District Attorney 'S Office

Dallas County, Texas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County, Texas is seeking an entry-level attorney to perform routine legal work including litigation, research, and drafting documents. The role may prosecute misdemeanor cases in assigned court with supervision.

Graduation from an accredited law school is required, and a current Texas license to practice law is necessary. Standard office and court environment with oversight based on experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate cases by reviewing documents, researching laws, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and deciding actions.
• Draft, file, and respond to motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trials or hearings.
• Explain legal process to witnesses and prepare them for court, keeping clients informed.
• Gather and present evidence and exhibits for trials or hearings.
• Represent the State in trials/hearings with jury selection, opening statements, examinations, and closing arguments.
• Participate in settlement or plea negotiations.
• Prepare settlement or plea documents and ensure signatures/file filings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Court procedures

Education

Juris Doctor / Law degree from an accredited law school

Job description

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

• 1. 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, and
  determining most appropriate action(s) to be taken.
• 2. Drafts, files and responds to necessary motions, briefs or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings.
• 3. Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and ensures clients or victims/families are kept informed on status of cases.
• 4. Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related material for trials or hearings.
• 5. Represents the State and client in trials and hearings by:
  conducting jury selection,
  presenting opening statements,
  conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and
  presenting closing arguments.
• 6. Participates in settlement or plea-bargain negotiations.
• 7. Prepares necessary legal documents if settlement or plea-bargain agreement is reached and ensures signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
• 8. 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.