GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the County Attorney. Represents the state in adult criminal misdemeanor prosecution (including Justice of the Peace Courts), juvenile prosecution (misdemeanor and felony), representing Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in child abuse and neglect cases pursuant to the Texas Family Code, protective orders, civil research and mental commitments; 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 various hearings and trials; prepares for and attends final trials, which includes witness meetings, mediation, 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 information and conferences with defense attorneys and investigators.
- Provides legal research regarding civil and criminal issues.
- Assists officers in obtaining warrants, reviewing probable cause affidavits and presenting warrants to 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.
- Employees are required to comply with safety regulations, procedures, protocol and wear personal protective gear if required.
- Performs other related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
- Excellent writing and research skills
- Ability to use MS Word and MS Office
- Ability to use Lexis Nexis and Westlaw
- Ability to interpret and apply the law
- Ability to conduct legal research
- Ability to coordinate between police agencies
- Familiarity with Johnson County local rules
- Familiarity with basic contract law, statutory construction and county rules, regulations and needs
- Knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Texas Penal Code, Rules of Court, Texas Family Code, Texas Criminal and Motor Vehicle Code and Texas and Federal Law
- 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
- Negotiation skills
- Trial advocacy skills
- Problem solving, critical thinking and time management skills
- 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
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Juris Doctorate degree required with 5 to 7 years related experience. Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions listed above can be substituted. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and be a member of good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Salary: $115,846 – $131,777 Depending on Experience
Please send resume to Amy Pardo at [email protected] or apply online through the Johnson County website (www.johnsoncountytx.org – Personnel – Job Openings – Attorney II-County Attorney)