0000003342.ATTORNEY II.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

About the role

Working under the supervision and direction of more experienced attorneys, you will complete legal assignments that are more difficult in nature but usually involve limited responsibility. Work involves litigation and legal research; drafting legal documents; interpreting laws, rules, and regulations; or prosecuting misdemeanor cases in an assigned court. You will manage an assigned court, train Attorney I's, monitor their performance, and act as a primary liaison with the court judge.

Responsibilities

• Manages court docket, court schedules, and ensures deadlines are met.
• Trains and assists in training less experienced misdemeanor prosecutors.
• 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, and
  • 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 the legal process to potential witnesses and prepares witnesses for court testimony.
• Ensures the client or victim/family are kept informed on the status of the case.
• Gathers, prepares, and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trial or hearing.
• Represents the State and client in trial and hearings by:
  • conducting jury selection,
  • presenting opening statements,
  • conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and
  • presenting closing arguments.
• Participates in settlement or plea-bargain negotiations.
• Prepares necessary legal documents if a settlement or plea-bargain agreement is reached and ensures signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Six (6) months of experience practicing law.
• Current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Experience prosecuting all levels of misdemeanor offenses, including jury selection.

Work Environment

Standard office and courtroom environment.