The El Paso District Attorney’s Office is currently hiring both experienced and entry level attorneys for the position of Principal Trial Attorney.
We are seeking prosecutors who have experience managing large felony dockets and have tried multiple murder cases to a verdict. The El Paso District Attorney’s Office offers competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.
Highest Starting Salaries (depending on experience):
Principal Trial Attorney – $129,554.72
Who we are:
The El Paso District Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases in the fifth largest metropolitan area in Texas. El Paso is located in a beautiful arid region with low humidity and an average of 297 days of sunshine every year. Despite having a low cost of living, El Paso offers the same entertainment opportunities as any other metropolitan area. Unlike many others, though, El Paso also offers tons of outdoor activities – year round biking, hiking and climbing, with ski slopes a short distance away.
Led by District Attorney Yvonne Rosales, our office is extremely diverse, challenging and focused on justice. We are dedicated to convicting the guilty, but only the guilty. Justice is our guiding principle. We encourage prosecutors to exercise good judgment in evaluating cases, as opposed to simply focusing on getting maximum sentences.
We are seeking attorneys who are focused on excellence, justice and career development. Being on the U.S. side of the largest international border metropolis in world, the EPDA’s office offers a truly unique prosecutorial experience. We are dedicated to training entry level attorneys, but also to providing a fast track to the highest level of prosecution for those who are enthusiastic and capable. The environment is extremely challenging, but for those whose goal is to become one of the best prosecutors in the country, this is the place for you!
Job Description (please refer to the El Paso County website for full details)
When hired as a Principal Trial Attorney, a person is generally assigned to prosecute felony cases with minimal supervision, and is expected to do everything that is necessary to manage a full felony docket in one of the 12 felony courts in El Paso. This includes prosecuting all types of cases, ranging from state jail felonies to sexual assault and murder cases.
General Duties:
- Represents the State of Texas in the prosecution of adult felony, misdemeanor, and asset forfeiture cases, including ancillary criminal and civil proceedings, filed in all relevant courts – from presentment through conviction; Presents cases to the Grand Jury; Appears in court representing the State of Texas at all phases of the prosecution, and does everything that is necessary in order to represent the State of Texas in all such proceedings.
- Reviews investigative reports from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and officers, and exercises discretion in determining which cases are accepted for prosecution or declined and appropriate criminal charges and forfeitures; May advise law enforcement agencies and personnel regarding legal requirements for arrest or search warrants;
- Performs legal research and keeps abreast of changes in the law;
Education and Experience:
All positions require a J.D. from an accredited law school and Texas Bar certification.
Principal Trial Attorney requires a minimum of Four (4) years of prosecutorial trial experience, including felony docket management with experience of trying complex first degree felony cases to a verdict. First chair prosecutorial experience trying murder cases to verdict is an extreme plus.
Benefits:
El Paso County offers significant benefits, including multiple levels of comprehensive health care benefits –medical, dental and vision plans. It also maintains a pension plan through one of the best retirement systems in the country – i.e., the Texas District and County Retirement System. It offers life, long and short term disability insurance, as well as health care reimbursement accounts and a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees receive eleven holidays, as well as earn generous vacation and sick time.
When applying, please first call Yessenia Quinones, at (915) 546-2059, extension 2062. Please be prepared to provide a cover letter, your resume and a county application.