0000004109.ATTORNEY IV.PUBLIC DEFENDER

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County in Texas is seeking an attorney to provide a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases, including case evaluation, legal advice, plea offers and representing clients in jury trials and hearings.

The role involves conducting legal research, drafting documents, negotiating plea bargains, interviewing clients and witnesses, reviewing evidence, and assisting felony and misdemeanor public defenders as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires JD from an accredited law school and Texas license to practice law.
• Requires at least 2 years 6 months of legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts jury trials, trials before the court and contested matters before the court.
• Prepares and/or drafts legal documents, including plea papers, motions, briefs and pleadings.
• Analyzes pending charges and develops defenses.
• Negotiates plea bargain recommendations with the State.
• Interviews clients and potential witnesses, discusses facts and applicable law with clients.
• Reviews evidence and inspects crime scenes, prepares investigative requests and makes home visits.
• Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
• Assists felony and misdemeanor public defenders as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Plea negotiations

Client interviewing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in Texas

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

Job Description

Provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases. Such services include case evaluation, legal advice, plea offers and representing clients in jury trials, non-jury hearings, plea negotiations and dismissals. Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents and interprets laws, rules and regulations. Receives level of oversight, training, and supervision based on experience and expertise in assigned area.

Provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases. Such services include case evaluation, legal advice, plea offers and representing clients in jury trials, non-jury hearings, plea negotiations and dismissals. Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents and interprets laws, rules and regulations. Receives level of oversight, training, and supervision based on experience and expertise in assigned area.

Management Scope

Assists in training Attorney I, II and III positions.

Responsibilities

• Conducts jury trials, trials before the court and contested matters before the court. 20 E
• Prepares and/or drafts legal documents, including plea papers, motions, briefs and pleadings. Research applicable statutes and case law.
• Analyzes pending charges and develops defenses.
• Negotiates plea bargain recommendations with the State.
• Interviews clients and potential witnesses, discusses facts and applicable law with clients.
• Reviews evidence and inspects crime scenes, prepares investigative requests and makes home visits.
• Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
• Assists felony and misdemeanor public defenders as needed.
• 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. Two (2) years (6) months 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.