Job Description

Supervises all levels public defenders in all aspects of assigned cases. Exercises authority to make tactical and legal decisions in connection with assigned felony cases or defends the more complex general or special category felony cases in assigned courts. Performs case evaluation, preparation, and management; represents the client in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials; and ensures effective communication with judges, prosecuting attorneys, court personnel, family members, witnesses and other interested parties. Conducts legal research; drafting legal documents; and interpreting laws, rules and regulations.

This position will be assigned to the Capital Murder Division.

The Attorney V (Staff Attorney) is one of the three attorney positions in the Capital Murder division, working under the supervision of the two Attorney VI positions, as well as the Specialized Group Chief, and the Chief Public Defender. The Attorney V is expected to possess experience in serious felony litigation, demonstrated proficiency in managing complex cases and a commitment to client-centered advocacy. The Dallas County Public Defender's office evaluates significant trial experience by the complexity of the cases and the quality of the representation. Applicants may also be asked to elaborate on specific cases, the nature of their involvement, and how the litigation strategy and outcome served the best interests of the defendant. Although experience with appeals is not required, significant appellate experience would be treated with the same weight as trial experience. The position requires the ability to serve as co- counsel in capital murder litigation, as well as manage complex discovery, mitigation and settlement negotiations.

The Attorney V is a client-centered attorney position, taking the lead on mitigation development, expert utilization, and client and family communication. The Attorney V will play a vital role in pre-trial discovery/investigation and settlement negotiations, as well as participating in cutting edge motions practice, pre-trial litigation and trial advocacy. The Attorney V will work closely with the two capital defense attorneys, two full-time investigators and clerical support.

This role requires close coordination with not only the client and their family, but also the judiciary, prosecutors, investigators, experts, and office leadership to ensure effective, ethical, and constitutionally sound representation of indigent defendants charged with capital murder.

Responsibilities

1. Supervises, evaluates and trains staff.

2. Resolves disputes between the court, prosecuting attorneys, and staff. Determines appropriate action to be taken for unusual or extremely serious or complex situations.

3. Evaluates appointed case or lawsuit by: reviewing documentation; conducting necessary legal research on applicable law; interviewing clients, witnesses or persons with knowledge of the case; reviewing and gathering evidence; preparing investigative requests; and determining most appropriate action(s) to be taken.

4. Interviews clients; discusses facts of case, potential defenses and applicable laws and procedures.

5. Explains legal process to potential witnesses and prepares witnesses for court testimony and ensures client is informed on status of case.

6. Drafts, files and responds to necessary motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trial and/or hearing.

7. Gathers, prepares, reviews and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trial or hearing.

8. Represents the client in trial and at all applicable hearings by: conducting jury selection; presenting opening statements; conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses; and presenting closing arguments.

9. Participates in plea-bargain negotiations; prepares necessary legal documents and ensures necessary signatures are secured and documents filed as required.

10. Documents client files, prepares trial notebook, and maintains statistical information regarding caseload dispositions.

11. Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel in all legal aspects of the criminal process; and speaks before community and group citizens.

12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. Four (4) years experience practicing law required.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

None.

Disclaimers: This is an "at will" position with no civil service or other appellate rights. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

Standard office environment.