Attorney II

Job Title: Attorney II
Pay Grade: 115
FLSA Status: Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the County Attorney.  Represents victims who seek a protective order as provided by the Texas Family Code.  Represents the State of Texas in civil mental health commitments.  In addition, representing the state in adult criminal misdemeanor prosecution (including Justice of the Peace Courts).  Assisting police and other investigative agencies with matters involving prosecution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

  • Prepares cases for trial; prepares pleadings, motions and orders; reviews medical records, documents and interviews.
  • Appears in various hearings and trials; prepares for and attends final trials, which includes witness meetings, mediation, jury selection, legal research, victim conferences, questioning witnesses in trial, conferences with defense attorneys, arguments, opening and closing statements and drafting of motions and jury changes; and responds to appeals of final orders.
  • Prepares informations and conferences with defense attorneys and investigators.
  • Provides legal research regarding civil and criminal issues.
  • Assists officers in obtaining warrants, reviewing probable cause affidavits and presenting warrants to Judges; and meets with officers to ensure warrants are in compliance with the law.
  • Performs clerical duties, which includes filing, responding to phone calls, sending written correspondence on cases and writing emails; and receives information from caseworkers and law enforcement.
  • Negotiates plea offers with defense attorneys; prepares information on probationers and any violations of probation committed; evaluates reports of violations; and evaluates proposed amendments.
  • Performs other related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
  • Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
  • Employees are required to comply with safety regulations, procedures, protocols, OSHA standards, and wear personal protective gear if required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate degree required.  Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and be a member of good standing with the State Bar of Texas. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

  • Excellent writing and research skills
  • Ability to use MS Word and MS Office
  • Ability to use Lexis Nexis and Westlaw
  • Ability to interpret and apply the law
  • Ability to conduct legal research
  • Ability to coordinate between police agencies
  • Familiarity with Johnson County local rules
  • Familiarity with basic contract law, statutory construction and county rules, regulations and needs
  • Knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Texas Penal Code, Rules of Court, Texas Family Code, Texas Criminal and Motor Vehicle Code and Texas and Federal Law
  • Knowledge of the Local Government Code, Health and Safety Code, general contract principles, the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the Texas Tort Claims Act and the Public Meetings Act
  • Negotiation skills
  • Trial advocacy skills
  • Problem solving, critical thinking and time management skills
  • Work independently
  • Apply listening and interview skills, work under pressure, address conflict, solve problems, and make sound split-second judgments
  • Read, analyze, and interpret standards, policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Develop and write reports, policies, and correspondence
  • Operate standard office equipment, such as computer keyboards and monitors, copiers, scanners, and telephone
  • Use (or learn to use) computer software and systems applicable to the position
  • Follow oral and written instructions and procedures
  • Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, or managers in the work unit and other departments, as well as with staff of outside entities and other individuals, as applicable to the essential duties and responsibilities

SALARY

$104,717 thru $128,040 DOE

Please send resume to Amy Grizzard at [email protected] or apply online through the Johnson County website (www.johnsoncountytx.org – Personnel – Job Openings – Attorney II-County Attorney)