Appellate Attorney
The Appellate Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is recruiting for two full-time attorney positions.
EMPLOYER AND LOCATION:
The District Attorney’s Office serves the 2.6 million residents of Dallas County, the 8th largest county-level jurisdiction in the United States. Over 300 attorneys serve in the District Attorney’s Office, consisting of 13 divisions comprising 4 bureaus.
The Appellate Division consists of 20 attorneys, 4 secretaries, and 1 clerk who carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of representing the State of Texas, the Department of Family and Protective Services, and the District Attorney’s Office in various appellate and postconviction proceedings arising from Dallas County cases.
Dallas County and its surrounding areas are a fantastic place to live and work, offering a vibrant community with a perfect blend of urban and suburban living. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including top-rated public schools, beautiful parks, and a diverse array of restaurants and coffee shops. Major sports teams in North Texas include: The Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Wings, FC Dallas, and America’s Team—The Dallas Cowboys. The area is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to build strong community connections. Dallas’ Fair Park annually hosts the world-famous State Fair of Texas, and Dallas is home to a wide range of other cultural and social events that appeal to a wide array of interests. With a thriving job market and no state income tax, Dallas County provides an excellent quality of life.
BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME POSITIONS:
Dallas County offers medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance; access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts; 11 paid holidays; and vacation and sick leave. You can find a full description of these benefits, and others, at the Dallas County Human Resources website:
https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/HR/benefits.php
All county employees (including part-time employees) participate in the Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS), and Dallas County offers an optional 457 deferred-compensation retirement plan with access to both traditional and Roth options. More information is available at the TCDRS website and the Dallas County Human Resources website:
https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/hr-new/employee-benefits/retirement-benefits.php
POSITION AND SALARY:
Assistant District Attorney – Appellate Division
Attorney III – Full Time ($92,953.08 – $104,919.84)
Job Posting 25000021
GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Represent the State of Texas in (1) direct appeals from final judgments and other appealable trial-court orders in criminal cases, (2) postconviction habeas-corpus proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and (3) postconviction motions for forensic D.N.A. testing under Chapter 64 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Represent the Department of Family and Protective Services in direct appeals from final orders terminating parental rights.
Represent the District Attorney’s Office and other county entities in expunction proceedings under Chapter 55 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Provide both general trial support to felony prosecutors and trial support on specific matters as assigned by the Appellate Division Chief.
Attend all meetings and training.
Perform special duties as assigned, including duties related to out-of-state witness subpoenas, extraditions, abatement hearings, drafting and testifying about proposed legislation, and more.
The duties set out above require the attorney to (1) cultivate and maintain expert-level knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, select provisions of the Family and Government Codes, and the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, (2) accurately identify, thoroughly research, and promptly respond to various issues raised in briefs and applications filed by or on behalf of defendants in both trial and appellate courts, and (3) attend hearings in trial courts and oral argument in appellate courts.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
J.D. from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in Texas.
One year of experience practicing law for Attorney III positions.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Access, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and Westlaw.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position are still encouraged to submit an application. Such candidates may still be considered for this position under applicable Dallas County Human Resources guidelines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Two years and six months of full-time experience as an appellate attorney or judicial staff attorney.
Board certification in criminal law or criminal appellate law.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Access, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat.
Advanced knowledge of Westlaw and significant skill in legal research resources unrelated to Westlaw.
APPLICATIONS:
To apply, applicants should submit:
(1) an application through the Dallas County Human Resources website at: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/HR/employment.php; and
(2) a resume and writing sample (not to exceed 15,000 words) to Shelly Yeatts at [email protected] and Jaclyn O’Connor Lambert at [email protected].