Description:

Summary:
This position requires a thorough knowledge of all phases of criminal prosecution and law enforcement procedures; is responsible for the prosecution of adult felony offenders in the District Courts; has daily contact with the public and is responsible for assisting the Criminal District Attorney with trying cases and handling all criminal law matters. This position also attempts to ensure that criminals are properly prosecuted, based upon given facts and application to current law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Duties include the following:
  • Prepare for pre-trial and post-conviction hearings (motions for discovery, motions to suppress evidence, motions to revoke probation, etc.) weekly.
  • Perform legal research and writing daily.
  • Prepare for and conduct trials (bench or jury) weekly.
  • Prepare and evaluate cases daily. Ensure adequate investigation of cases. Apply the law to facts.
  • Perform witness interviews; contact victims; and contact Law Enforcement Agency personnel.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the law.
  • Obtain convictions and appropriate punishment according to current law.
  • Uphold convictions when appealed by drafting appellate briefs and arguing at the Court of Appeals.
  • Screen incoming case reports from local agencies and present selected cases to the Grand Jury.
  • Maintain larger caseload, as assigned by supervisor.
  • Mentor Felony II Prosecutor, as assigned by supervisor.
  • Act as lead prosecutor for court, as assigned by supervisor.
  • Attendance is an essential function of the job.

Note: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is assigned by the supervisor.

Mandatory Qualifications
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor's degree (BA) from four-year College or university and a J.D. (law) degree are required. Three (3) years of experience as an attorney practicing criminal law. Significant Felony Jury trial experience. The individual should possess a thorough working knowledge of law enforcement and court procedures and practices.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
The individual must have a Texas Law license.

Desired Minimum Qualifications
Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents; Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style; Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume; Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demands:
This is a sedentary position. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.