Hourly Appellate Attorney

Description:

Position Summary:
Prosecute and defend cases in various levels of trial and appellate courts and administrative forums. May also provide written or verbal legal advice to individual or governmental clients and draft legal instruments or other written documents with legal implications. Investigate facts involving criminal matters and bring about solutions to crime victims in a variety of forums. This licensed attorney regularly handles criminal matters of great complexity and gravity and advises less experienced attorneys. Attorney has achieved expert knowledge and experience in their specific areas of practice. Must advise, mentor, and develop less experienced attorneys.

Job Description:
Essential Job Functions:

• Represent the McLennan County Criminal District Attorney in litigation and negotiations of many complex matters
• Gather information regarding legal matters presented to the Court (e.g., motions, briefs, pleadings, etc.) by reviewing case files, exhibits, and other documents and conferring as needed with opposing counsel and the Court
• Identify, research, and analyze legal issues; review legal authority cited by litigants; conduct self-directed independent research as may be needed to further clarify issues and arrive at sound conclusions
• Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares appellate briefs reports, memoranda in opposition, legal documents, motions and correspondence without direct supervision
• Prepares for appeals through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews and reparation of witnesses to testify without direct supervision
• Prepare comprehensive memoranda detailing relevant legal and factual issues, addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented, and recommending judicial action
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

Education:
Required:

• Applicant must be a Law school graduate, licensed or awaiting license by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing

• 7 years' of experience in any combination of the following: family law, probate law, civil or criminal litigation
• Good working knowledge and understanding of and ability to apply the applicable laws, procedures, case holdings, and departmental policies is essential
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in high-pressure situations
• Possesses analytical ability, is diplomatic and tactful, and uses good judgment and common sense
• Proficient verbal and written skills to communicate information and directions to courts, attorneys, investigators, police agencies, and citizens
• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systemssuch as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Possess a thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Exceptional skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with County staff, attorneys, investigators, police agencies, and citizens

Preferred:

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

• Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community
• Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large
• Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

Environmental Factors: Mainly indoor activity, except when investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, or preparing for trial, which requires some outdoor activity. Presentation of cases in a courtroom environment. Significant contact, with public, crime victims, witnesses, persons accused or convicted of crime, police officers, law enforcement or courthouse personnel. Courtroom appearances.

Physical Demand Requirements: Some light lifting, bending, standing, walking (trial presentations/on-scene investigations) and prolonged sitting. Vision (ability to read police reports, law book, and normal printed material), understandable coherent speech and hearing.

---