Attorney III

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

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 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.

Graduation from an accredited law school. One (1) year of experience practicing law.

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

Standard office and court room environment.

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.

An extensive pre-employment background investigation will be conducted on all applicants who have been offered a position with Dallas County. The hiring process involves successful completion of each step. The steps include: Criminal History Review, Traffic Violations Record, Review of Personal History Statement and Documents, Physical Examination, and Background Investigation.
Dallas County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, National Service Alumni volunteers, and persons with a criminal background are encouraged to apply.