Description:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary:
Practices civil or criminal law for A Government Entity and the State of Texas. This is the seventh in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorney job category.

Under general direction, serves as a section or team chief to oversee attorneys involved in the litigation of criminal or civil actions. Provides guidance and assistance to attorneys in case preparation, docket management, trial processes and tactics, and any and all other legal work performed by the District Attorney's Office.

Prepares and handles cases and matters that are the most complex and that may result in the most serious consequences without supervision.

Individuals in this position serve at the pleasure of the current elected official.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities

Participates in the management of the District Attorney's Office and directly supervises and oversees the performance and operation of a felony trial team, or another section within the District Attorney's Office.
Answers questions and provides guidance to attorneys who encounter new or unfamiliar situations.
Observes, critiques, and evaluates performance of attorneys and staff under their supervision.
Incorporates or develops new methods and techniques to ensure proper presentation of cases.
Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor cases, including jury and non-jury trials and juvenile misdemeanor offenses, or litigates civil matters related to child welfare, protective orders, or mental health matters.
Handles assigned cases from in-take through lower court appeal.
Plans casework, conducts arraignment proceedings, reviews physical evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares trial exhibits, files motions and briefs, negotiates pleas, selects juries, drafts jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases.
Evaluates cases for filing and presentation to the grand jury by reviewing police incident and investigation reports, reviewing criminal histories, requesting additional investigative information, interviewing, and preparing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and drafting indictments.
Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, evidentiary suppression issues, and sentencing recommendations.
Screens protective orders, negotiates resolutions, and represents applicants in hearings.
Handles all necessary pre-trial matters including plea-bargain/sentencing negotiations and evidentiary/suppression hearings.
Prepares cases for trial by issuing subpoenas, preparing witnesses, manufacturing trial exhibits, filing all necessary motions and notices, and generating trail strategies.
Tries both jury and court-trial cases by selecting jury panels, presenting evidence, cross-examining opposing witnesses, and making legal arguments.
Handles appeals by reviewing legal issues, conducting legal research, reviewing court transcripts, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments in appellate courts.
Counsels and discusses cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses.
Represents the state in involuntary civil commitment proceedings.
Covers juvenile detention hearings, protective order matters, and Justice of the Peace proceedings when necessary.
Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases.
Ensures that trial and other legal deadlines are met.
Some positions occasionally handle County civil work, which could include civil litigation, transactional work, or other county business.
Some positions handle cases before Justices of the Peace.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:
Education and/or Experience

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
At least five years working as a licensed attorney with at least three year's experience working with governmental entities.
Capable of handling cases and matters that are the most complex and that may result in the most serious consequences without supervision.
Capable of supervising and training other attorneys and legal staff to perform the core functions of the District Attorney's Office.

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

State of Texas licensed attorney.
License to practice law in the State of Texas.
Attends and participates in law enforcement TLETS training and annual continuing legal education as required by the State of Texas.
Successful completion of basic TLETS certification.
Ability to maintain continuing education requirements for the State of Texas.
Valid Texas driver's license.