1000000674.ATTORNEY IV.DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an attorney to handle advanced legal work, including indictment preparation, trial and appellate work, and public information requests within the Civil Division PIA Section. The role requires facilitating testimony, managing cases, and coordinating with defense attorneys and court personnel in a fast‑paced environment.

The position involves advising on charges, presenting evidence, and handling pre‑trial and evidentiary hearings as part of the state’s prosecution team.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a current license to practice law in Texas.
• Minimum two years and six months of experience practicing law, including felony prosecution or extensive appellate work.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate criminal complaints to decide whether to prosecute and determine charges for indictment.
• Perform legal research, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and determine appropriate actions.
• Draft, file, and respond to motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trial or hearings.
• Explain legal processes to witnesses and prepare them for court testimony.
• Present evidence and conduct direct and cross‑examinations at trial or hearings.
• Negotiate settlements or plea bargains and manage case schedules.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Trial preparation

Communication

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Texas law license

Job description

Job Description

With minimal supervision and oversight, performs advanced legal work in the area assigned. Work involves litigation and legal research; drafting legal documents; and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations. Work is performed under general direction with authority to make tactical and legal decisions in connection with assigned cases or prosecutes the more complex general or special‑category felony cases in assigned court. Performs case evaluation, preparation and management; represents the state in pre‑trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials; and ensures effective communications with defense attorneys, court personnel, victims and family members, witnesses, and other interested parties.

Works in the Civil Division PIA Section with one (1) other attorney and four (4) paralegals in the handling of Public Information Act (PIA) requests for Dallas County. This includes PIA requests to the County Clerk and the Tax Assessor, and PIA requests for District Attorney criminal record files. Prepares legal briefs to the Texas Attorney General’s Office regarding Public Information Act requests. Completes other projects and works as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates criminal complaints in order to decide whether or not to accept or reject the case for prosecution, determine the appropriate charge to be filed, and prepare the required documentation for indictment.
• Evaluates assigned case or lawsuit by:
  • reviewing documentation,
  • conducting necessary legal research on applicable law,
  • interviewing witnesses or persons with knowledge of the case,
  • gathering evidence,
  • determining the most appropriate action(s) to be taken.
• Drafts, files, and responds to necessary motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trial and/or hearing.
• Explains legal process to potential witnesses and prepares witnesses for court testimony and keeps the client/family informed on status of case.
• Gathers, prepares, and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trial or hearing.
• Represents the State or client in trial and hearings by:
  • conducting jury selection,
  • presenting opening statements,
  • conducting direct and cross‑examinations of witnesses,
  • presenting closing arguments.
• Negotiates settlements or plea‑bargain, obtains approval if necessary, prepares necessary legal documents, and ensures proper signatures and filing.
• Manages court docket and case schedules to ensure court deadlines are met and records/documentation are accurate and up‑to‑date.
• Trains or assists in training Attorneys I, II, and III.
• May perform some duties of the Section Chief on a short‑term temporary basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training: Graduation from an accredited law school with a current license to practice law in the State of Texas. Two (2) years and six (6) months of experience practicing law. Experience as lead prosecutor for all levels of felony offenses, serving as lead counsel in conjunction with civil litigation, or extensive appellate work on direct appeals is required.

Special Requirements / Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas.

Physical / Environmental Requirements

Normal office environment.

Disclaimer

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.