Description:
Job Description:Supervises the operations of an assigned court and/or assigned cases including staff supervision, evaluation and training.
Management Scope: May generally supervise staff.
Responsibilities:
- Manages the court docket by assigning cases and work to felony prosecutors, attorneys and other staff.
- Authorizes reduction in level or class of offenses, recommends PR bonds, approves granting of probation and signs various types of dismissals.
- Resolves disputes between the court, defense attorneys and staff, and determines appropriate actions to be taken for unusual, extremely serious or complex situations.
- Ensures that records and documents are accurate, up-to-date and processed in accordance with standard procedures.
- Evaluates assigned cases or lawsuits by:
- reviewing documentation,
- conducting and interpreting legal research on applicable law, rules and regulations,
- interviewing witnesses or persons with knowledge of the cases,
- gathering evidence, and
- determining the appropriate action(s) to be taken.
- 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 case.
- Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related materials for trials or hearings.
- Represents the State or clients in pre-trials, evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials by:
- conducting jury selection,
- presenting opening statements,
- conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and
- presenting closing arguments.
- Assesses strengths and weaknesses of cases, negotiates settlements or plea-bargains and obtains approval, if necessary, of plea-bargain agreements
- Prepares legal documents if settlements or plea-bargain agreements are reached and ensures proper signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
- Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel in legal aspects of investigations, prosecutions and other litigation; and speaks before community and citizens groups.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Experience and Training:
Graduation from an accredited law school. Four (4) years of experience practicing law.
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas. Requires experience as lead prosecutor for more-complex felony cases, as lead counsel in conjunction with more serious or complex civil litigation, or extensive appellate work on direct appeals and capital writs.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
Standard office and court environment.