0000004109.Attorney Iv.Public Defender

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

Job summary

Dallas County, Texas seeks an attorney to provide comprehensive legal services to indigent defendants in felony, family, juvenile or mental health cases. Responsibilities include trial work, research, and preparing legal documents. Attorneys may assist public defenders and provide guidance in case strategy.

The role requires a Texas law license and two years six months of practice. The position is described as an at-will role with standard office duties and supervision based on experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Active Texas law license to practice.
• Two years six months of legal experience required.

Responsibilities

• Conducts jury trials, trials before the court and contested matters before the court.
• Drafts legal documents, including plea papers, motions, briefs and pleadings; researches 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 caseload statistics.
• Assists felony and misdemeanor public defenders as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Trial preparation

Plea negotiations

Client interviews

Case evaluation

Education

Law degree (J.D.)

Job description

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.

Management Scope

Assists in training Attorney I, II and III positions.

Responsibilities

1. Conducts jury trials, trials before the court and contested matters before the court. 20 E
2. Prepares and/or drafts legal documents, including plea papers, motions, briefs and pleadings. Research applicable statutes and case law.
3. Analyzes pending charges and develops defenses.
4. Negotiates plea bargain recommendations with the State.
5. Interviews clients and potential witnesses, discusses facts and applicable law with clients.
6. Reviews evidence and inspects crime scenes, prepares investigative requests and makes home visits.
7. Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
8. Assists felony and misdemeanor public defenders as needed.
9. 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.