Attorney I

*The vacancies related to this posting are grant-funded through December 2024.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Performs case intake, screens, and follows-up on investigations to include reviewing police reports and evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies
• Drafts investigative requests for additional evidence, makes charging decisions, and files charging instruments
• Performs legal research by reading statutes and codes, analytical books, online case research, and specialized practice guides
• Drafts legal documents such as motions, memoranda, and briefs
• Represents the State in Justice of the Peace Courts which includes travelling to various precincts on a weekly basis to process all criminal cases set for pretrial dockets or contested hearings, negotiates with defense attorneys and pro-se defendants, and represents the State in bench and jury trials
• Represents the State in County Courts at Law, ensuring cases have been appropriately prepared for each docket, working towards resolving the cases while in court, discussing plea options and other case needs with defense attorneys, working alongside probation officers, filing any necessary court documents, and providing information to the Court upon request
• Prepares for and represents the State in contested court hearings, to include reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing trial motions, responding to defense motions, preparing trial exhibits, and conducting the hearing (i.e., jury selection, opening statements, witness examination and closing arguments)
• Makes appropriate plea offers upon reviewing evidence, criminal histories, police reports, and other relevant information, negotiates with defense attorneys, and handles discovery requests
• Interviews and communicates with victims and witnesses, and answers questions regarding the criminal justice system
• Represents the State in truancy litigation, to include screening cases, filing petitions, and representing the State in Truancy Court hearings
• Communicates with county personnel, elected officials, judges, defense attorneys, victims and witnesses of crime, law enforcement agencies, and the general public on behalf of the County Attorney's Office
• Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

Organization Relationships

• Reports directly to – Lead Attorney
• Direct Reports – No

Physical Demands:

• Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
• Position involves occasional lifting and carrying of up to fifty (50) pounds and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objects

Environmental Factors:

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
• Regular travel between work sites as required
• High stress, pressure of deadlines and case management under limited time constraints
• Interaction with persons accused or convicted of crimes

Irregular Hours

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school
• Prior experience with legal research, negotiation skills, and criminal law
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, LexisNexis, Westlaw, and E-file

Licenses and Certifications:
Required:

• State Bar of Texas

Required within thirty (30) days of employment

• Valid driver's license

Required within six (6) months of employment

• Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification
• Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Odyssey and Jabber
• Moot Court or other Trial Practice experience
• Working knowledge of the Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Texas Penal Code