Assistant District Attorney

Related job titles: Attorney, Attorney at Law, Attorney General, City Attorney, Counsel, Deputy Attorney General, General Counsel, Lawyer

Occupational Code:

Department: 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, Pecos, Texas

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Range:

Supervisor: District Attorney

Job Summary:

The 143^rd District Attorney’s Office is seeking to add two full time Assistant District Attorney / Prosecutor positions.  The 143^rd DA’s office is located in the heart of the Permian Basin in West Texas and is responsible for handling all aspects of felony prosecution of adults in Ward, Reeves, and Loving Counties.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Main duties:

• Assist law enforcement – assist law enforcement as needed with investigations; review search warrant and arrest warrant affidavits
• Review indicted felony criminal cases for appropriate disposition/plea offer
• Prepare cases for trial – interview witnesses and victims; review evidence; visit crime scenes; review pertinent case law; interview law enforcement officers in preparation for trial; and file necessary pretrial motions and pretrial notices
• Represent the State in all pretrial matters – such as hearings of pretrial motions filed by the defense or State or motions related to bond
• Represent the State in plea and sentencing hearings
• Represent the State in bench and jury trials – conduct an effective voir dire, conduct effective direct and cross examination of witnesses, correctly offer evidence, argue effectively before a judge and/or jury, and deliver powerful opening statements and persuasive closing arguments.  Based on experience you could be assisting the DA until ready for a trial alone
• Represent the State in modification, adjudication, and revocation of probation
• Represent the State in post-conviction proceedings – including writing and preparing reply briefs on direct appeal, pursue State’s appeal when necessary, and respond to writs of habeas corpus
• Safely operate motor vehicles and travel within the district as required
• Perform other related tasks and duties as directed by the District Attorney
• Grand Jury/Intake – after a DA investigator has assured all reports, documents, and media has been provided by the LE agency, determine if evidence is sufficient for prosecution; prepare proposed indictments; present cases to a Grand Jury; and recommend bonds to the court.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Must be in good standing with the State Bar and have a current license to practice law in the State of Texas
• Must be able to pass the Texas CJIS Systems Access Policy background
• Knowledge of the ethical principles of law, the Texas Penal Code, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Texas Rules of Evidence
• Felony or misdemeanor jury trial experience with practicing criminal law in Texas state courts is preferred, but not absolutely required for the right candidate
• Be a self-starter who takes initiative to handle the duties and responsibilities of the job without constant oversight
• Be able to work independently, but also have the ability to work well with others in a professional manner, possess a strong work ethic, and is able to follow instructions and take direction when needed
• Be efficient and proficient with the ability to effectively multi-task and time manage
• Report regularly for work and be on time.        143^rd allows for some remote work also.
• Be able to exercise sound discretion and judgment in both your personal life and as a felony prosecutor, including making appropriate decisions on disposition of cases consistent with the elected District Attorney’s policies.
• Maintain at all times moral, ethical, and professional conduct in keeping with the high calling of a prosecutor

To apply:

• Complete a 143^rd District Attorney / Reeves County employment application. Applications are available for download at:  https://www.reevescounty.org/government/job-postings
• Submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample, if available, in the form of an appellate brief or other comparable writing sample that demonstrates your legal writing ability.
• Submit a list of at least three references from people who can attest to your proficiency in the practice of criminal law or other relevant work as a licensed attorney.

You can also submit all documents to:  143^rd District Attorney’s Office, Attn: Kay Swan – Chief of Staff, PO Box 510  Monahans, Texas 79756 or by email:  k.swan143rd@co.ward.tx.us

Job offer is contingent upon passing a criminal background investigation. By submitting an application, you give the 143^rd District Attorney’s Office permission to conduct a criminal background check, including obtaining a copy of your driving and criminal history from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Experience and Education: 

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.  
• A minimum of five years as a criminal trial lawyer is preferred.

Physical Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.