ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY I

McLennan County (TX); Waco (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McLennan County seeks an entry-level licensed attorney to prosecute and defend cases across trial and appellate levels. The role involves advising clients, drafting documents, and handling criminal matters under supervision to develop expertise.

Ideal candidates will have a JD, Texas Bar status (or awaiting licensure) and strong research, writing, and courtroom skills. This on-site position requires professionalism and confidentiality in a public service setting.

Qualifications

• Law school graduate, licensed or awaiting license by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, procedures, and court rules.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Gather information from case files and confer with opposing counsel and the Court.
• Research and analyze legal issues; cite authorities; conduct independent research as needed.
• Appear in court to select juries, present and cross-examine evidence, and argue on behalf of the State of Texas.
• Prepare witnesses and counsel with clients, victims, or police on proceedings.
• Decide whether to dismiss or proceed with charges and negotiate pleas when appropriate.
• Draft memoranda and legal documents with implications for judicial action.
• Negotiate settlements and assist in resolving contested matters.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Pleadings and briefs

Client counseling

Written and verbal communication

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Spanish (preferred)

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Prosecute and defend cases in various levels of trial and appellate courts and administrative forums. May also provide written or verbal legal advice to individual or governmental clients and draft legal instruments or other written documents with legal implications. Investigate facts involving criminal matters and bring about solutions to crime victims in a variety of forums. This entry-level licensed attorney generally handles criminal matters of lesser complexity and gravity. Attorney works under the close supervision of more experienced attorneys in an effort to build knowledge, skills and expertise.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Gathers information regarding legal matters presented to the Court (e.g., motions, briefs, pleadings, etc.) by reviewing case files, exhibits, and other documents and conferring as needed with opposing counsel and the Court
• Identifies, researches, and analyzes legal issues; reviews legal authority cited by litigants; conducts self-directed independent research as may be needed to further clarify issues and arrive at sound conclusions
• Appears in court and forums to select juries, present and cross-examine evidence, make legal arguments, and act as an advocate for the State of Texas
• Identifies, locates, and prepares witnesses to present testimony effectively in court or related forums
• Counsels with clients, victims, or police concerning proceedings in court or related forums
• Independently makes decision to dismiss, proceed with charges, enter plea negotiations and plea agreements for each case
• Prepares comprehensive memoranda detailing relevant legal and factual issues, addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented, and recommending judicial action
• Drafts legal instruments and documents with legal implications
• Negotiates with others to settle litigation or other contested matters or to assist in solving problems with legal implications
• Develops knowledge, skill, and expertise in applicable areas of law to keep pace with current developments
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

EDUCATION:

Required:

• Applicant must be a Law school graduate, licensed or awaiting license by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Good working knowledge and understanding of and ability to apply the applicable laws, procedures, case holdings, and departmental policies is essential
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in high-pressure situations
• Possesses analytical ability, is diplomatic and tactful, and uses good judgment and common sense
• Proficient verbal and written skills to communicate information and directions to courts, attorneys, investigators, police agencies, and citizens
• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Possess a thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Exceptional skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with County staff, attorneys, investigators, police agencies, and citizens

Preferred:

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

DISCLAIMER:

McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

All Employees

• Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community
• Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large
• Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Mainly indoor activity, except when investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, or preparing for trial, which requires some outdoor activity. Presentation of cases in a courtroom environment. Significant contact, with public, crime victims, witnesses, persons accused or convicted of crime, police officers, law enforcement or courthouse personnel. Courtroom appearances.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

Some light lifting, bending, standing, walking (trial presentations/on-scene investigations) and prolonged sitting. Vision (ability to read police reports, law book, and normal printed material), understandable coherent speech and hearing.

HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm