What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Attorney position at Williamson County?
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting directly to a Criminal Division Director, responsible for all adult misdemeanor prosecutions from intake through final disposition. Screens new cases, makes charging and filing decisions, and represents the State of Texas in all court proceedings, plea negotiations, evidence review, trial preparation, and witness interviews. Supervises adult criminal prosecutions in a County Court at Law and one or more Justice of the Peace courts. Trains and assists less experienced prosecutors.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
- Performs case intake, screens, and follows-up on investigations to include reviewing police reports and evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies
- Drafts investigative requests for additional evidence, makes charging decisions, and files charging instruments
- Assists with personnel management, including recommendations for hiring, firing, termination, employee recognition, disciplinary action, and training
- Conducts performance evaluations and makes pay recommendations
- Represents the State in County Courts at Law, ensuring cases have been appropriately prepared for each docket, working towards resolving the cases while in court, discussing plea options and other case needs with defense attorneys, working alongside probation officers, filing any necessary court documents, and providing information to the Court upon request
- Prepares for and represents the State in contested court hearings, to include reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing trial motions, responding to defense motions, preparing trial exhibits, and conducting the hearing (i.e., jury selection, opening statements, witness examination and closing arguments)
- Makes appropriate plea offers upon reviewing evidence, criminal histories, police reports and other relevant information, negotiates with defense attorneys, and handles discovery requests
- Prepares for and represents the State in any hearings in open court for motions to revoke probation, motions to amend bond conditions, motions to increase bond, and for restitution
- Prepares for and represents the State during pretrials, announcement dockets, and first appearance dockets
- Assists with the screening, filing, and hearings for obtaining Protective Orders as needed
- Performs legal research by reading statutes and codes, analytical books, online case research, and specialized practice guides
- Interviews and communicates with victims and witnesses, and answers questions regarding the criminal justice system
- Drafts legal documents such as motions, memoranda, and briefs
- Represents the State in Justice of the Peace courts to include travelling to various precincts on a weekly basis to process all criminal cases set for pretrial dockets or contested hearings, negotiates with defense attorneys and pro-se defendants, and represents the State in bench and jury trials
- Reviews offense reports and discovery logs to ensure that all discovery has been received and made available to defense counsel
- Processes applications, reviews assessments, and processes approvals and denials for the pretrial intervention program
- Communicates with county personnel, elected officials, Judges, defense attorneys, victims and witnesses of crime, law enforcement agencies, and the general public on behalf of the County Attorney’s Office
- Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
- Performs special duties as assigned
ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports directly to – Criminal Division Director (Trial)
- Direct Reports – Yes
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
- Regular travel between work sites as required
IRREGULAR HOURS
- Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
- May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school and three (3) years of experience as a licensed attorney
- One (1) year of demonstrated lead or supervisory experience
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, LexisNexis, and Westlaw
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
- State Bar of Texas
Required within thirty (30) days of employment
- Valid driver’s license
Required within six (6) months of employment
- Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification
- Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One (1) year of personnel management experience
- Working knowledge of Odyssey, Jabber, and Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)
- Experience representing the State in a prosecutor’s office or other governmental agency
- Criminal trial experience
EMPLOYMENT TESTING
Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
- Criminal background check: Yes
- Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
- Drug screening: No
- Physical exam: No
- Psychological exam: No
- Additional: N/A
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.
Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
