0000001287.Attorney Iv.District Attorney 'S Office

Dallas County•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Attorney IV is responsible for all legal matters involving the Dallas Sheriff's Department. The role evaluates claims, provides legal opinions and advice, supports litigation, handles records requests, reviews warrants and other writs, advises department divisions on personnel matters and legal changes, and conducts legal training. The position also presents the department’s legal positions to the Dallas County Commissioners Court and serves as the department’s custodian of records. 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

Law school degree from an accredited law school.
Current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
Membership in good standing with the Texas State Bar Association.
Two years of experience as an attorney.
Meet and maintain all Texas State Bar Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements.
Secure and maintain a favorable criminal history and background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with computer usage and related software, including Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Evaluate claims against the Dallas Sheriff's Department in conjunction with the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, including claims under the Texas Tort Claims Act, civil rights claims, employment-related claims, and disputes concerning Sheriff's sales or execution of warrants and writs.
Respond to requests for opinions on legal issues affecting the Sheriff's Department.
Serve as a legal liaison with the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, outside counsel, and the Dallas County Commissioners Court.
Represent the Sheriff's Department's position in litigation matters and respond to requests for information about outstanding litigation.
Coordinate department personnel to locate witnesses and documents needed by outside counsel or the District Attorney's Office.
Assist with litigation matters, including discovery, motions, and coordination of department witnesses and documents.
Brief the Chiefs and the Sheriff on the status of outstanding litigation handled by the District Attorney's Office or outside counsel.
Act as custodian of records for Sheriff's Department documents.
Present the department's positions on legal matters, including employment matters, claims, and lawsuits, to the Dallas County Commissioners Court.
Represent the Sheriff's Department in records requests made by subpoena or under the Open Records Act; request Attorney General Opinions when necessary and respond to records requests where appropriate.
Review warrants and other writs to be executed by the Sheriff's Department when requested.
Advise all Sheriff's Department divisions on personnel issues and policies.
Review changes in state and federal statutes, case law, rules, and regulations affecting department operations, and advise divisions about those changes.
Conduct training on legal issues at the Sheriff's Department Academy.
Perform other duties as assigned.