1000000154.Attorney Iii.Public Defender

Dallas County•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Performs legal assignments with minimum supervision and may be assisted by Attorneys I and II. Work is performed under general direction, with authority to make tactical and legal decisions while providing a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in assigned misdemeanor, felony, family, juvenile, or mental health cases. Services include evaluating cases, providing legal advice, relaying plea offers, and representing clients in jury trials, non-jury hearings, plea negotiations, and dismissals. The attorney ensures appropriate communication with clients, judges, prosecutors, and court personnel, and attempts to contact clients’ witnesses and other necessary parties as needed. The position also conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, interprets laws, rules, and regulations, and receives oversight, training, and supervision based on experience and expertise in the assigned area. This is an at-will position with no civil service or other appellate rights. The job description is not an employment agreement or contract, and management may alter it at any time without notice.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in the State of Texas.
One year of experience practicing law.

Responsibilities

Evaluate appointed cases or lawsuits by reviewing documentation, researching applicable law, interviewing clients, witnesses, or other knowledgeable persons, reviewing and gathering evidence, preparing investigative requests, and determining appropriate actions.
Interview clients and discuss case facts, potential defenses, and applicable laws and procedures.
Explain the legal process to potential witnesses, prepare witnesses for court testimony, and keep clients informed about case status.
Draft, file, and respond to motions, briefs, and other legal documents for trials or hearings.
Gather, prepare, review, and present evidence, exhibits, and related materials for trials or hearings.
Represent clients at trials and applicable hearings, including jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
Participate in plea-bargain negotiations, prepare necessary legal documents, obtain required signatures, and file documents as required.
Document client files, prepare trial notebooks, and maintain statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
Train or assist in training Attorneys I and II.
Perform other duties as assigned.