Paralegal - District Attorney's Office

Fort Bend County•Richmond, TX

About The Position

The Paralegal in the District Attorney's Office gathers and reviews legal and evidentiary material to ensure compliance with rules of evidence and criminal discovery laws, supporting fair and impartial trials and due process. The role prepares delegated motion-practice documents, drafts pretrial prosecution motions and post-trial motions, and prepares responses to defense motions. It also prepares trial exhibits, witness and exhibit lists, and trial briefs; assists division attorneys in court hearings and trials; and communicates with court personnel and defense attorneys regarding court settings and discovery, filings, pleadings, and motions. The Paralegal reviews court orders for discovery considerations and prepares related disclosures, and reviews and edits computer database entries and electronic files associated with criminal cases. The position may also participate in emergency-management activities during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field, or a Paralegal Program Certificate.
Two years of job-related experience.
Knowledge of basic Texas criminal laws, procedures, and evidence.
Working knowledge of legal terminology, legal office practices, and legal research.
Legal writing and drafting skills.
Ability to draft legal documents and analyze and comprehend legal arguments from criminal pleadings and filings.
Strong computer and typing skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials.

Responsibilities

Gather and review legal and evidentiary material to ensure compliance with rules of evidence.
Ensure compliance with criminal discovery laws to support fair and impartial trials and due process.
Prepare delegated motion-practice documents, draft pretrial prosecution motions and post-trial motions, and prepare responses to defense motions.
Prepare trial exhibits, witness lists, exhibit lists, and trial briefs.
Assist division attorneys in court hearings and trials.
Communicate with court personnel and defense attorneys regarding court settings and discovery, filings, pleadings, and motions.
Review court orders for discovery considerations and prepare related disclosures.
Review and edit computer database entries and electronic files associated with criminal cases.
Participate in emergency-management activities during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.