0000000377.ATTORNEY III.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

About the role

Performs assignments involving litigation and legal research with authority to make tactical and legal decisions in connection with assigned cases or prosecutes felony cases in assigned court, including case evaluation, preparation, and management.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates criminal complaints, accepts or rejects cases for prosecution, determines appropriate charges to be filed, and prepares required documentation for indictments.
• 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.
• Drafts, files, and responds to motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings.
• Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and ensures clients or victims/families are kept informed on the status of cases.
• Gathers, prepares, and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trials or hearings.
• 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.
• Negotiates settlements or plea-bargains and obtains approval of plea-bargains or settlement agreements.
• Prepares legal documents if settlements or plea-bargain agreements are reached and ensures proper signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
• May manage court dockets and case schedules to ensure deadlines are met and records and documentation are accurate and up-to-date.
• Trains or assists in training Attorneys I and II.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• One (1) year of experience practicing law.
• Current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
• 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.

Work Environment

Standard office and courtroom environment.