0000003763.ATTORNEY IV.PUBLIC DEFENDER

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants across misdemeanor, felony, family, juvenile, and mental health cases. The role includes case evaluation, legal advice, plea negotiations, and representation in jury and non-jury trials.

Under minimal supervision, you will conduct legal research, draft documents, and coordinate with clients, judges, prosecutors, and court staff. A law degree and Texas license are required, with at least one year of practice.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in Texas.
• Minimum of one year practicing law.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates appointed cases or lawsuits by reviewing documents, researching applicable law, interviewing clients and witnesses, gathering evidence, and determining best action.
• Interviews clients and discusses facts, potential defenses, and applicable procedures.
• Represents clients in court and at hearings, including jury or bench trials, and negotiates pleas or dismissals as applicable.
• Drafts and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents for trial or hearing.
• Maintains case files, prepares trial notebooks, and tracks caseload and dispositions.

Skills

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed to practice law in Texas

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: 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