0000005936.ATTORNEY II.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE

About the role

Represents indigent defendants in misdemeanor, juvenile detention, or mental health cases as assigned. Performs case evaluation, preparation, and management; represents the client in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials; and ensures effective communication with judges, prosecuting attorneys, court personnel, family members, witnesses and other interested parties.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates appointed case or lawsuit by reviewing documentation, conducting necessary legal research, interviewing clients and witnesses, reviewing and gathering evidence, and determining the most appropriate action(s) to be taken.
• Interviews clients, discusses facts of case, potential defenses and applicable laws and procedures, and explains legal process to potential witnesses.
• Drafts, files and responds to necessary motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trial and/or hearing.
• Gathers, prepares, reviews and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trial or hearing.
• Represents the client in trial and at all applicable hearings by conducting jury selection, presenting opening statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and presenting closing arguments.
• Participates in plea-bargain negotiations, prepares necessary legal documents, and ensures necessary signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
• Documents client files, prepares trial notebook, and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
• Trains and assists in training less experienced misdemeanor public defenders.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. One year experience practicing law required, which can include experience obtained under the third year bar card, or work as a licensed attorney in the Public Defender’s Office on a Pro Bono basis.

Applicants must provide an official law school transcript and a notarized affidavit from the employer(s) where the internship was performed, indicating the number of actual hours worked, if applicable.

Work Environment

Standard office environment.

This is an “at will” position with no civil service or other appellate rights, and management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.