OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
24th Judicial District of Texas
DeWitt, Goliad, and Refugio Counties
JOB POSTING
LEGAL SECRETARY
Full-Time | DeWitt County Courthouse | Cuero, Texas
Position Overview
The Office of the District Attorney for the 24th Judicial District of Texas is accepting applications for a full-time Legal Secretary position. This position is based at the DeWitt County Courthouse in Cuero, Texas, with duties that may extend to proceedings in Goliad and Refugio Counties. The Legal Secretary will work directly with prosecutors in support of felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, grand jury proceedings, and related legal functions of the District Attorney’s Office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist attorneys in all phases of trial preparation, including organizing case files, coordinating witness lists, preparing subpoenas, and compiling exhibits for court.
- Draft, proofread, and finalize legal documents including charging instruments, motions, orders, correspondence, and grand jury materials under attorney supervision.
- Maintain and manage case files in both physical and electronic formats, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely updates.
- Coordinate with law enforcement agencies, court personnel, victim advocates, and other offices to gather records, evidence, and documentation relevant to pending cases.
- Conduct legal research and compile summaries of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural rules as directed.
- Prepare grand jury packets and assist prosecutors in organizing materials for grand jury presentations.
- Track deadlines, court settings, and case schedules; manage attorney calendars and provide timely reminders of upcoming hearings, filings, and statutory deadlines.
- Process, organize, and manage discovery materials, including video evidence, police reports, medical records, and other case-related documents.
- Communicate professionally and courteously with victims, witnesses, defense counsel, and the public on behalf of the office.
- Perform general administrative functions including data entry, filing, phones, and correspondence as needed to support office operations.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all case-related information and office matters.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in legal studies, criminal justice, business administration, or a related field preferred.
- Legal secretary certificate or related vocational training preferred but not required; relevant experience will be considered in lieu of formal certification.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a legal office setting; experience in a criminal law or prosecutorial environment strongly preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; ability to learn case management and legal research software.
- Strong working knowledge of general computer operations, including document management, electronic file organization, and use of online legal research platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to draft and proofread legal documents with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with courts, law enforcement, attorneys, and the public.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines in a fast-paced office environment while maintaining organization and composure.
- Dependable attendance record and consistent adherence to office schedules, deadlines, and professional standards.
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a district attorney’s office, county attorney’s office, or criminal defense firm.
- Familiarity with Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and Texas Penal Code.
- Experience working with evidence management systems, e-filing platforms, or court case management databases.
- Paralegal certification from an ABA-approved program is a plus.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range is $40,000 to $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include participation in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), health insurance, paid holidays, and paid leave in accordance with county policy.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following to the Office of the District Attorney:
- A completed application or resume detailing relevant education, experience, and references;
- A cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position; and
- Contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
Applications may be submitted by mail, email, or in person to:
Office of the District Attorney
24th Judicial District of Texas
Attn: JoAnna Hadden/Brian Cromeens
DeWitt County Courthouse
Cuero, Texas 77954
E-mail: jhadden@goliadcountytx.gov
bcromeens@goliadcountytx.gov
Phone: (361)275-2612
The 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.
This position will remain open until filled. Early application is encouraged.