Job Description
Supervises the operations of an assigned court and/or assigned cases including staff supervision, evaluation and training.
Management Scope: May generally supervise staff.
Responsibilities
1. Manages the court docket by assigning cases and work to felony prosecutors, attorneys and other staff.
2. Authorizes reduction in level or class of offenses, recommends PR bonds, approves granting of probation and signs various types of dismissals.
3. Resolves disputes between the court, defense attorneys and staff, and determines appropriate actions to be taken for unusual, extremely serious or complex situations.
4. Ensures that records and documents are accurate, up-to-date and processed in accordance with standard procedures.
5. Evaluates assigned cases or lawsuits by:
reviewing documentation,
conducting and interpreting legal research on applicable law, rules and regulations,
interviewing witnesses or persons with knowledge of the cases,
gathering evidence, and
determining the appropriate action(s) to be taken.
6. Drafts, files and responds to motions, briefs or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings.
7. Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony and ensures clients or victims/families are kept informed on status of case.
8. Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related materials for trials or hearings.
9. Represents the State or clients in pre-trials, evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials by:
conducting jury selection,
presenting opening statements,
conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and
presenting closing arguments.
10. Assesses strengths and weaknesses of cases, negotiates settlements or plea-bargains and obtains approval, if necessary, of plea-bargain agreements
11. Prepares legal documents if settlements or plea-bargain agreements are reached and ensures proper signatures are secured and documents filed as required.
12. Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel in legal aspects of investigations, prosecutions and other litigation; and speaks before community and citizens groups.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education, Experience and Training:
Graduation from an accredited law school. Four (4) years of experience practicing law.
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas. Requires experience as lead prosecutor for more-complex felony cases, as lead counsel in conjunction with more serious or complex civil litigation, or extensive appellate work on direct appeals and capital writs.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
Standard office and court environment.
