BASTROP COUNTY, TEXAS
Department: Criminal District Attorney’s Office
FSLA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Criminal District Attorney/Felony Chief
Salary: $85,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience
SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Bastrop County Criminal District Attorney and the Felony Chief, this position assists with the prosecution of all felony cases, but the primary practice area is for those involving sexual assault and crimes against children. Work involves directing and planning legal activities, overseeing the preparation of legal documents, overseeing various hearings, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. The position also requires that the attorney be available to assist other prosecutors in meeting any additional prosecutorial demands made upon the office. Must maintain the confidentiality of the department at all times.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The position receives supervision from the Bastrop County Criminal District Attorney, the Chief Felony Prosecutor and the First Assistant and works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Is responsible for prosecuting felony cases primarily, but not limited to, sexual assault and crimes against children. Performs legal research; subpoenas witnesses; negotiates pleas.
- Makes themselves available to discuss resolution of pending cases with defense counsel; returns phone calls and emails.
- Prepares legal opinions, appellate briefs, petitions and other legal instruments as necessary.
- Prepare cases for trial and represents the State in matters as appropriate.
- Conducts pre-trial evidentiary hearings.
- Does case intake and reviews written offense reports for alleged violations of the law;
- Prepares unresolved cases for trial; meets with and keeps victims informed of the status of the case.
- Maintains a high level of organization while performing job related duties.
- Performs related legal work as assigned.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor(s).
NOTE: The essential functions describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities required, nor is all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:
- Applicable laws as related to the performance of duties;
- Legal ethics and its application to the practice of criminal law
- Legal principles, practices and procedures of civil, criminal, and constitutional law;
- Duties, powers, limitations and authority of County and State Government;
- A variety of legal terminology specific to the prosecution of crime;
- Advising county officials and/or departments;
- Correct use of the English language, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
- Standard office policies, procedures, and computer proficiency;
- Bastrop County policies and procedures;
Ability to:
- Effectively communicate.
- Work well with others and demonstrate good interpersonal skills
- De-escalate confrontational situations
- Organize, interpret and apply legal principles;
- Effectively apply legal knowledge and principles in court;
- Present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically;
- Prepare and present difficult cases in court;
- Properly interpret, understand and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies;
- Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion;
- Conduct business with the public in a professional, courteous manner;
- Function independently, exercise good judgment, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the job;
- Effectively speak in public;
- Operate computer and other office equipment required to perform essential job functions;
- Work independently in the absence of supervision;
- Work irregular working hours;
- Handle exposure to potentially hostile individuals;
- Understand and follow verbal and written instructions;
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Effectively prepare and use power-point technology
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
Making observations, reading and writing, defending cases, operating assigned equipment, and communicating with others; Employee must have visual abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Maintain physical condition needed to accomplish the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include:
Walking, sitting, or standing for long periods of time; Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds such as files or stacks of records; Occasional Climbing, Stooping, Crawling, Squatting, &/or Kneeling; Operating a motor vehicle.
Maintain mental capacity sufficient to accomplish the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which includes:
- The general practice of Law
- Researching legal matters;
- Interpreting legal terminology;
- Effective interaction and communication with others;
- Prepare clear and concise reports;
- Making sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, and LICENSING:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
- Licensed Attorney with extensive prosecutorial and/or trial experience preferred.
Education:
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Licensing:
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
- Valid Texas driver’s license.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview; reference and other background checks; job-related tests may be required.
RESUMES MAY BE EMAILED DIRECTLY TO: