0000004071.Attorney Iii.District Attorney 'S Office

Dallas County, Texas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County seeks an attorney to perform assignments involving litigation and legal research with authority to make tactical and legal decisions in assigned cases, including prosecution of felony cases in court. You will evaluate complaints, prepare indictments, and manage case files.

Responsibilities include drafting motions, briefing and trial preparation, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, negotiating plea agreements, and training junior attorneys.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• One year of experience practicing law.
• Active Texas license to practice law required.
• Lead prosecutor experience for misdemeanors or related appellate/civil work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate criminal complaints and decide on charges.
• Review cases, perform legal research, interview witnesses.
• Draft, file, and respond to motions and briefs.
• Explain legal processes to witnesses and prepare them for court.
• Gather, present and manage evidence for trials/hearings.
• Represent the State in hearings and trials with voir dire, opening/closing, direct and cross-examinations.
• Negotiate settlements or plea bargains and obtain court approvals.
• Prepare settlement documents and ensure proper filings.
• May manage court dockets and case schedules to meet deadlines.
• Train Attorneys I and II; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Trial preparation

Witness interview

Negotiation

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Job description

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

1. Evaluates criminal complaints, accepts or rejects cases for prosecution, determines appropriate charges to be filed, and prepares required documentation for indictments.


2. 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.


3. Drafts, files, and responds to motions, briefs or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings.


4. Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and ensures clients or victims/families are kept informed on status of cases.


5. Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related material for trials or hearings.


6. 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.


7. Negotiates settlements or plea-bargains and obtains approval of plea-bargains or settlement agreements.


8. Prepares legal documents, if settlements or plea-bargain agreements are reached, and ensures proper signatures are secured and documents filed as required.


9. May manage court dockets and case schedules to ensure deadlines are met and records and documentation are accurate and up-to-date.


10. Trains or assists in training Attorneys I and II.


11. 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.