What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant District Attorney IV position at Hidalgo County?
General Description
Performs advanced senior-level legal work; Work involves prosecuting and defending all manner of civil and criminal matters in various levels of trials and appellate courts and administrative forums. Work under the supervision of higher level attorneys in an effort to build the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary for this position. Investigates and litigates various cases filed with the District Attorney’s office.
Examples of Work Performed
Will make decisions and/or counsels with clients, victims, or police concerning the commencement of proceedings in court or related forums
May also provide written or oral legal advice to individual or governmental clients, and draft legal instruments or other written materials carrying legal implication
Appears in court and/or related forums to select juries, present and cross-examine evidence, make legal arguments, and act as an oral advocate
Drafts and files pleadings, answering motions, briefs and responses necessary to conduct litigation and/or proceedings in related forums
Investigate facts giving rise to legal issues, and bring about solutions to their clients legal problems in a variety of forums
Counsels and advises clients within bounds of confidentiality, when applicable, regarding legal issues in all phases of litigation
Identifies, locates, and prepares witnesses to present testimony effectively in court or related forums
Identifies and prepares non-testimonial forms of evidence for use in court and related forums
Conducts and/or supervises investigations and/or civil and criminal discovery proceedings
Drafts legal instruments and various documents with legal implications
Negotiates with others to settle litigation or other contested matters or to assist in solving problems with legal implications
Develops knowledge and expertise in applicable area of law to keep pace with constant developments and to impart this knowledge and skills to others in various settings
Performs related work as assigned
Education and Experience
Juris Doctorate (JD) degree
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
Felony courtroom experience as an Assistant District Attorney/ Prosecutor with an emphasis on criminal trial expertise is preferred
Certificates, Licenses and Registration:
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas is required
Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license
Must be able to be insured by the County’s insurance carrier
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to work efficiently and effectively in high-pressure situations
Ability to communicate effectively
Able to handle all stressful situations with an even temperament and work effectively with others in achievement of tasks
Must possess advanced professional level of analytical ability and be very well versed in the art of being diplomatic and tactful in addition to the use of good judgment and common sense
Must possess necessary writing skills at a seasoned level to communicate information and directions to attorneys, detectives, police agencies and citizens
Must be computer literate
Knowledge of all applicable laws and procedures
Must have good working knowledge and understanding of penal statutes and code of criminal procedures as well as case holdings and departmental policies
