0000003299.ATTORNEY II.DISTRICT ATTORNEY 'S OFFICE
Dallas County · Dallas, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $65,000 / year
- Dallas, TX
Job highlights
- Prosecute misdemeanor cases in Dallas County courts.
- Manage court dockets and schedules effectively.
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents.
- Prepare and present evidence for trials.
- Represent the state in hearings and trials.
About the role
Assistant District Attorney
Dallas County is seeking an Assistant District Attorney to work under the supervision and direction of more experienced attorneys. This role involves completing difficult legal assignments, primarily focused on litigation and legal research. The position includes drafting legal documents, interpreting laws, and prosecuting misdemeanor cases in assigned courts. You will manage your assigned court, train Attorney I's, monitor their performance, and serve as a primary liaison with the court judge. Responsibilities include case evaluation, preparation, and management; representing the state in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings, as well as jury and court trials; and ensuring effective communication with various parties involved in the legal process.
Responsibilities
- Manages court docket, court schedules and ensures deadlines are met.
- Trains and assists in training less experienced misdemeanor prosecutors.
- Evaluates assigned case or lawsuit by reviewing documentation, conducting necessary legal research, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and determining the most appropriate actions.
- Drafts, files, and responds to necessary motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trial and/or hearings.
- Explains the legal process to potential witnesses and prepares them for court testimony.
- Ensures clients or victims/families are kept informed of the case status.
- Gathers, prepares, and presents evidence, exhibits, and related materials for trial or hearing.
- Represents the State and client in trials and hearings by conducting jury selection, presenting opening statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and presenting closing arguments.
- Participates in settlement or plea-bargain negotiations.
- Prepares necessary legal documents if a settlement or plea-bargain agreement is reached, ensures signatures are secured, and documents are filed as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education, Experience and Training:
- Graduation from an accredited law school.
- Six (6) months of experience practicing law.
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
- Requires experience prosecuting all levels of misdemeanor offenses, including jury selection.
Physical/Environmental Requirements
Standard office and court room environment.
Key skills/competency
- Litigation
- Legal Research
- Legal Document Drafting
- Misdemeanor Prosecution
- Courtroom Representation
- Jury Selection
- Witness Preparation
- Case Management
- Plea Bargaining
- Texas Law
Skills & topics
- Assistant District Attorney
- Prosecution
- Litigation
- Legal Research
- Texas Law
- Misdemeanor
- Courtroom
- Attorney
- Dallas County
- Lawyer
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your six months of legal practice and any specific misdemeanor prosecution experience.
- Showcase your license: Ensure your Texas law license and misdemeanor jury selection experience are prominent.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss case evaluation, courtroom procedures, and witness preparation.
- Demonstrate initiative: Express your willingness to train junior attorneys and manage court dockets.
- Understand the environment: Show awareness of standard office and courtroom settings.
Technical preparation
Review Texas misdemeanor laws.,Practice legal research techniques.,Prepare sample legal documents.,Rehearse jury selection strategies.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging case you handled.,How do you manage court deadlines?,How do you communicate with victims?,How do you handle witness preparation?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the required experience for an Assistant District Attorney at Dallas County?
- The role requires graduation from an accredited law school and a minimum of six (6) months of experience practicing law. Specific experience prosecuting misdemeanor offenses, including jury selection, is also required.
- What are the main responsibilities of an Assistant District Attorney at Dallas County?
- Key responsibilities include prosecuting misdemeanor cases, managing court dockets and schedules, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, evaluating cases, preparing and presenting evidence, representing the state in hearings and trials, and training less experienced prosecutors.
- Is a license to practice law required for this position?
- Yes, a current license to practice law in the State of Texas is a mandatory requirement for this Assistant District Attorney position.
- What kind of environment can I expect as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County?
- You can expect a standard office and courtroom environment. This includes working closely with judges, court personnel, other attorneys, and interacting with witnesses, victims, and their families.
- Does this role involve training other attorneys?
- Yes, the Assistant District Attorney will train and assist in training less experienced misdemeanor prosecutors (Attorney I's) and monitor their performance.