Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Assistant District Attorney – Juvenile, CPS/APS, Mental Illness
Job Title: Assistant District Attorney FLSA Status: Exempt
(Civil Division – Juvenile, CPS, APS and Mental Illness)
Department: District Attorney’s Office Full-Time: Yes
Location: Kaufman Courthouse Salary: $68,500 -73,928
Open: 07/18/2022 Close: Until Filled
SUMMARY:
This position requires a thorough knowledge of criminal prosecution and court procedures. This position is responsible for handling juvenile, CPS, APS, and mental illness cases and all related matters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Handling of Juvenile Docket
- Have a working knowledge of the Texas Family Code, Texas Penal Code, Rules of Civil Procedure and Code of Criminal Procedures, and related case law.
- Assess case facts with law enforcement and the Juvenile Probation Department to determine proper path for a juvenile file.
- Efficiently present cases to judge and juries, including but not limited to conducting voir dire examinations, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, direct- and cross- examining witnesses, and advocating for the appropriate adjudication and disposition outcomes.
- Draft motions, review documents filed with the court file, file responses to motion and discovery, and conduct all requisite legal research to support arguments to the court.
- Educate victims over the phone, via email, or in person about the juvenile court process and the possible outcomes of their cases.
- Handle all detention hearings.
- Regular interaction with local law enforcement and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure the juvenile offenders and the victims see justice in the outcomes of their cases.
Representation of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services / Child Protective Services (“CPS”)
- Have a working knowledge of the Texas Family Code and related case law.
- Assess case facts and jurisdictional issues to determine proper filing recommendations which range the full spectrum of relief available in the Texas Family Code, from court ordered investigation to emergency removal of children.
- Efficiently present cases to juries and judge, including but not limited to, conducting voir dire examinations, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, direct- and cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for the permanency goal as recommended by CPS.
- Draft motions, review documents filed with the court, file responses to motions and discovery, and conduct all requisite legal research to support arguments to the court.
- Provide training to CPS investigators/caseworkers on proper courtroom etiquette and testimony strategies.
- Work bi-monthly CPS dockets at an off-main-campus location which requires organization and transportation of all items necessary to efficiently handle the docket (e.g., appropriate case files, texts, and office supplies/equipment).
- Monthly staffing of all conservatorship cases with the CPS caseworkers to regularly assess their progress and needs.
- Travel to off-site mediations, settlement conferences, and various meetings.
- Negotiate with all parties (client, the parties and other attorneys, etc.) in attempts to resolve cases short of adversarial hearings/trials.
- Regular interaction with CPS and local law enforcement, school authorities, and medical/healthcare providers via face-to-face meetings, conference calls, and email to maintain and encourage sharing of up-to-date knowledge of facts regarding the pending cases to ensure proper outcomes for the children and families involved in CPS.
- Coordinate efforts with other prosecutors in the office when CPS cases have some overlap with related criminal cases.
- Represent CPS and present for them at local community events or group meetings (e.g., Lion’s Club) in an effort to raise awareness of the CPS purpose and seek community support for CPS and our foster children.
Representation of Adult Protective Services
- Have a working knowledge of the Texas Family Code and related case law.
- Assess case facts and jurisdictional issues to determine proper filing recommendations which range the full spectrum of relief available in the Texas Family Code.
- Efficiently present cases to judge and juries, including but not limited to, conducting voir dire examinations, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, direct- and cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for appropriate adjudication and disposition outcomes.
- Draft motions, review documents filed with the court, file responses to motion and discovery, and conduct all legal research to support arguments to the court.
- Negotiate with all parties (client, the parties and other attorneys, etc.) in attempts to resolve cases short of adversarial hearings/trials.
Handling of Mental Illness Docket:
- Have a working knowledge of the relevant statutes and related case law.
- Occasional appearance at Terrell State Hospital, Terrell, Kaufman County.
- Handle the dockets on average of two-times per month.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications 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.
Education and Experience:
- Must have a J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited law school
- Ability to manage a trial docket in multiple courtrooms
- Courtroom experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of criminal prosecution, law enforcement, and court procedures
- Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents
- Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, county officials, the court system, and the general public
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents
- Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
- Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style
- Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and jury panels
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
- Ability to use a personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet programs, calculator, telephone, copy machine, and fax machine
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
- Must be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
- Must be an active member and in good standing with the Texas State Bar Association
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Employee may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily indoors in an environmentally controlled, smoke free office.
**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.