Attorney II;District Attorney`s Office

GENERAL SUMMARY

Represents the state in prosecution of criminal defendants; and assists police and other investigative agencies with matters involving prosecution.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

·         Prepares cases for trial; prepares pleadings, motions and orders; reviews medical records, documents and interviews.

·         Appears in dockets, hearing and trials; prepares for and attends final trials, which includes witness meetings, jury selection, legal research, victim conferences, questioning witnesses in trial, conferences with defense attorneys, arguments, opening and closing statements and drafting of motions and jury changes; and responds to appeals of final orders.

·         Prepares indictments and re-indictments; presents cases to grand jury; and drafts indictments and conferences with intake attorneys and investigators.

·         Provides legal research regarding civil and criminal issues.

·         Assists officers in obtaining warrants, reviewing probable cause affidavits and presenting warrants to District Judges; and meets with officers to ensure warrants are in compliance with the law.

·         Performs clerical duties, which includes filing, responding to phone calls, sending written correspondence on cases and writing emails; and receives information from caseworkers and law enforcement.

·         Negotiates plea offers with defense attorneys; prepares information on probationers and any violations of probation committed; evaluates reports of violations; and evaluates proposed amendments.

·         Performs other related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

·         Employees are required to comply with safety regulations, procedures, protocol, , and wear personal protective gear if required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate, with 3 to 5 years related experience. Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions listed above can be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

·         Excellent writing and research skills

·         Ability to use MS Word and MS Office

·         Ability to use Lexis, Nexis and Westlaw

·         Familiarity with Johnson County local rules

·         Familiarity with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure

·         Ability to conduct legal research

·         Familiarity with the Texas Penal Code and Rules of Court

·         Negotiation skills

·         Familiarity with basic contract law, statutory construction and county rules, regulations and needs

·       Knowledge of the Local Government Code, Health and Safety Code, general contract principles, the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the Texas Tort Claims Act and the Public Meetings Act

·         Trial advocacy skills

·         Ability to interpret and apply the law

·         Problem solving, critical thinking and time management skills

·         Knowledge of Texas and Federal Law

·         Ability to coordinate between police agencies

·         Work independently

·         Apply listening and interview skills, work under pressure, address conflict, solve problems, and make sound split-second judgments

·         Read, analyze, and interpret standards, policies, procedures, and regulations

·         Develop and write reports, policies, and correspondence

·         Operate standard office equipment, such as computer keyboards and monitors, copiers, scanners, and telephone

·         Use (or learn to use) computer software and systems applicable to the position

·         Follow oral and written instructions and procedures

·      Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, or managers in the work unit and other departments, as well as with staff of outside entities and other individuals, as applicable to the essential duties and responsibilities

WORKING CONDITIONS

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.

This position typically requires fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling and lifting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Light Work: Performing the essential functions typically requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly.