Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in El Paso, TX

Government

El Paso, TX

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in El Paso, TX

Attorney

Min 3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Public Defender's Office - Senior Trial Attorney (Grant Funded)

Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Trial Attorney operates under general supervision and is responsible for providing complex legal counsel for various county offices and staff, depending on the area assigned. The role involves prosecuting criminal, civil, and family law cases, as well as providing representation in matters including civil or prosecutorial cases. The attorney is expected to defend and advocate for clients accused of a crime and perform complex non-supervisory legal work. This position requires the attorney to review case facts for legal sufficiency, draft motion statements, and prepare necessary legal documents. Additionally, the attorney must research statutes, examine evidence, confer with attorneys and law enforcement agencies, edit legal documents, and litigate hearings, trials, and appeals.

In the District Attorney's Office, the attorney represents the State of Texas in prosecuting adult felony, misdemeanor, and asset forfeiture cases. Responsibilities include reviewing investigative reports, determining case acceptance for prosecution, presenting cases to the Grand Jury, and appearing in court for various proceedings. The attorney must exercise discretion in trial strategies, engage in pre-trial negotiations, draft legal documents, coordinate with victims and witnesses, and perform legal research. The role also involves advising law enforcement agencies, employing independent judgment, and exercising prosecutorial discretion in the pursuit of justice.

Education and Experience Information:
The position requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence and a minimum of three years of criminal and/or civil experience. Alternatively, any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable, provided the candidate holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence. The candidate must maintain a license to practice law in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Depending on the area assigned, candidates must have or obtain a valid driver's license applicable to the job responsibilities.

Salary Information:
The annual salary for the Senior Trial Attorney position is $90,. This is a grant-funded position approved on a yearly basis, and the salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information:
Candidates must possess knowledge of county, state, and federal legal principles, practices, procedures, statutes, codes, case law, and rules of evidence. They should be familiar with contract terminology, legal practices, department policies, and the organization’s procedures. The role requires strong written advocacy skills, advanced litigation and prosecutorial skills, and the ability to operate a personal computer and various software applications. Candidates should be able to conduct research, prioritize tasks, establish effective working relations, and communicate effectively in verbal and written forms. A background investigation is required, and candidates must demonstrate regular and reliable attendance, work well in a team-oriented environment, maintain strict confidentiality, and project positive support of their department and the organization.

Candidates must complete a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process, affirming their educational qualifications, legal practice license, and standing with the State Bar of Texas. They must also confirm their status as internal candidates if applicable, and acknowledge the requirement for a complete application.