Salary
$129,207.00 – $168,568.00 Annually
Location
San Marcos, TX
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
202200722
Department
Criminal District Attorney
Opening Date
08/06/2024
Description
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Summary
Practices civil law for Hays County and the State of Texas. This is the seventh in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorney job category.
Under the guidance and general direction of the elected Criminal District Attorney, First Assistant, and Civil First Assistant, serves as a section or team chief to oversee attorneys involved in the litigation of civil actions. Provides guidance and assistance to attorneys in case preparation, docket management, trial processes and tactics, and any and all other legal work performed by the District Attorney’s Office.
Prepares and handles cases and matters that are the most complex and that may result in the most serious consequences without supervision.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
· Participates in the management of the District Attorney’s Office and directly supervises and oversees the performance and operation of a civil litigation team, or another section within the District Atttorney’s Office.
· Answers questions and provides guidance to attorneys who encounter new or unfamiliar situations.
· Observes, critiques and evaluates performance of attorneys and staff under their supervision.
· Incorporates or developes new methods and techniques to ensure proper presentation and resolutions of cases and civil matters involving Hays County.
· Litigates civil matters related to child welfare, protective orders, mental health matters, bond forfeitures, asset forfeitures, environmental law, matters involving the Hays County Commissioners Court or other elected officials or department heads of Hays County.
· Handles assigned cases from in-take through lower court appeal.
· Plans casework, reviews physical evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares trial exhibits, files motions and briefs, negotiates pleas, selects juries, drafts jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases.
· Drafts and recommends approval of deeds, easements, rights-of-way, releases, contracts and other instruments binding the County to financial agreements and obligations.
· Researches, drafts and advises on open government, conflicts of interest, county government, tort, contract, employment, constitutional, and election laws.
· Remains informed of state and federal legislation and judicial decisions that might impact county government.
· Advises, interacts with, and/or represents Law Enforcement agencies within County government regarding a broad array of legal issues, including but not limited to Collective Bargaining, employment matters, administration, and F-5 Appeals.
· Drafts and submits requests for ruling to the Office of the Attorney General on a broad array of County records.
· Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues.
· Screens protective orders, negotiates resolutions, and represents applicants in hearings.
· Handles all necessary pre-trial matters including plea-bargain/sentencing negotiations and evidentiary/suppression hearings.
· Prepares cases for trial by issuing subpoenas, preparing witnesses, manufacturing trial exhibits, filing all necessary motions and notices, and generating trail strategies.
· Tries both jury and court-trial cases by selecting jury panels, presenting evidence, cross-examining opposing witnesses, and making legal arguments.
· Handles appeals by reviewing legal issues, conducting legal research, reviewing court transcripts, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments in appellate courts.
· Counsels and discusses cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses.
· Represents the State in involuntary civil commitment proceedings.
· Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases.
· Ensures that trial and other legal deadlines are met.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience
Education and/or Experience
§ Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
§ At least five years working as a licensed attorney with at least three years experience working with governmental entities.
§ Capable of handling cases and matters that are the most complex and that may result in the most serious consequences without supervision.
§ Capable of supervising and training other attorneys and legal staff to perform the core functions of the District Attorney’s Office.
Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
§ State of Texas licensed attorney.
§ License to practice law in the State of Texas.
§ Attends and participates in law enforcement TLETS training and annual continuing legal education as required by the State of Texas.
§ Successful completion of basic TLETS certification.
§ Ability to maintain continuing education requirements for the State of Texas.
§ Valid Texas Class C drivers license.
§ Must pass a criminal background check.
Agency
Hays County
Address
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 1063
San Marcos, Texas, 78666
Phone
512-393-2223
Website