Kaufman, County of (TX)
*Salary dependent on qualifications and experience*
Acceptable Experience and Education Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Certificates and Licenses Required Must have and maintain a license to practice law in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. One (1) year of experience practicing law required.
Experience obtained under the third-year bar card, or work as a licensed attorney in the Public Defender’s Office on a Pro Bono basis, can be counted for experience. Maximum Pro Bono experience is one year. Qualifications include: completion of a law degree at an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school; current licensing as an attorney to practice law in the State of Texas, and have either attained this experience through the law school’s criminal clinic program, or internship with a district, county, or public defender offices while holding an active Third Year Student Bar Card. Along with the job application at interview the applicant will be required to present an official law school transcript and a notarized affidavit from the employer(s) where the internship was performed indicating the number of actual hours worked.
Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of Kaufman County.
About the County Kaufman County, Texas, was founded in 1848. Located adjacent to Dallas County on the east, Kaufman County is home to more than 145,000 people, 16 cities, four independent school districts, two colleges, and thousands of thriving businesses. Kaufman County has recently been named by the US Census Bureau as the fastest-growing county over 100,000 in the nation.
Summary of Position The Attorney/Trial Attorney under close supervision and depending on area of assignment provides general counsel for various County Offices and staff; prosecutes criminal, civil, and family law cases; represents, defends, and advocates for clients accused of a crime; reviews family case law for legal sufficiency and litigates family law enforcement cases. May include appellate work in any or all these areas.
This is the first in a series of three non-supervisory attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive.)
Performs legal research and keeps abreast of changes in the law.
Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to case or issue under consideration.
Examines video, file, and physical case evidence.
Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, contracts, notices, and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
Takes depositions and responds to discovery requests.
Responds to phone calls from the public; provides general information.
Oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs, warrants, contracts, official policies, and other related documents.
Represents the department at docket calls.
Prepares cases for trial.
Collects, organizes, and prepares evidence, information, and other legal materials.
Attends and participates in meetings, training, and information sessions.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrating commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts.
Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.
Public Defender’s Office
May include appellate work in any or all these areas.
Establishes and maintains close contact with defendants by regular visits to the Correctional facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact, or by letters to defendants not in custody.
Prepares litigation on family law cases covers this potential area of practice more inclusively.
Represents all indigent persons charged with crimes in the County whose cases are appointed to the Public Defender’s Office.
Defends individual adults and juveniles charged with felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic cases for which a sentence of incarceration may be imposed.
Provides representation at all stages of the court process, including before the filing of formal charges, at the trial court level, and any related appeals.
Provides effective representation to clients while managing a large caseload.
Represents as assigned to handle specific types of cases such as family, juvenile, indigent, mental health, appellate, etc.
Works closely with Public Defender staff, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialists, as well as community agencies to match needs of clients with resources, programs, and assistance providing holistic, client-centered representation.
Handles all court hearings for clients, including seeking bond reductions in the Jail Magistrate Court, arraignment court and bond court.
Interviews clients (both detained and on bond) supporting preparation for and argues motions for release on personal bond and/or bond reduction, development, and investigation of defenses to pending charges, and development of potential mitigation of punishment.
Meets with clients when arrested and obtains their history to make bond arguments to the court.
Maintains strong, ongoing working relationship with clients in person, including visits to detention facilities, by phone and by mail contact.
As required may be called to represent individuals at investigative proceedings, related civil matters, and other ancillary issues; may be assigned to handle cases involving post-conviction writs of habeas corpus and/or appellate relief.
Interviews and counsels respondents in mental health proceedings in Local or State treatment units where they may be confined and works closely with psychiatrists and other medical or treatment personnel.
Investigates and directs investigation by staff investigators into alleged crime(s) or offense, including by meeting with witnesses, police officers and reviewing the facts.
Meets with the client to discuss the appropriate action to be taken and whether pre-trial motions should be filed, discuss any plea offers from the State, and the consequences, including collateral legal consequences thereto, and ultimately prepare client and case for trial.
Reviews case, results of investigation, applicable laws and codes, and professional obligations to identify, prepare, direct filing, and litigate appropriate pretrial motions.
Performs as trial counsel by representing defendant’s clients during courtroom proceedings.
Researches case law, communicates with defendant clients to determine on an on-going basis, including to advise and consult in client’s decision whether to accept a plea offer, to go to trial with a judge or a jury for guilt/not guilt, to have punishment assessed by a judge or judge, whether to testify at the guilt phase, whether to testify at the punishment phase, and whether to appeal.
Prepares trial strategy, including mitigation case for punishment, such as prepares for direct and cross-examination of witness’s procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.
Acts as negotiator between the defendant clients and the State's Attorney's Office prosecutors to secure acquittals or reach agreement concerning sentence time plea agreements which would be the most beneficial for the defendant client, and the State's Attorney's Office.
Researches case law and witness testimony, conducts investigations and negotiates with the Prosecutor State's Attorney's Office. Analyzes facts, evidence, and the strength of case, determines client's wishes and meets with prosecutor to resolve the matter short of trial.
Represents defendant’s clients during other court proceedings. Prepares pre-trial motions such as Answer to Discovery, Motions to Suppress Evidence, Requests for Notice, Motions to Dismiss and Motions to Additional Discovery, which are required to be filed in accordance with the Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure, Texas Penal Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and other relevant statutes, as well as and a obtaining a hearing set to ensure that they are carried out properly litigate the motions as necessary.
Prepares, files, and litigates post-trial matters including Motions for New Trial, as necessary, such as motions to withdraw pleas, motions to reconsider sentence and post-conviction petitions.
Other Important Duties
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
May work extended hours and weekends.
Regular out-of-town travel for professional conferences and meetings.
Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment.
As members of the County of Kaufman County Emergency Response System, all Kaufman County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.
Additional Information Additional Information is not a separate section but refers to the organizational relationships and other expectations listed below.
Organizational Relationships
The position is non-supervisory. The attorney will have contact with department heads and/or staff to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities, attorneys, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law enforcement, witnesses, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the public.
Physical Working Conditions The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to sit for long periods of time, type for extended periods, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is sometimes required to climb, stoop, kneel, bend, or crawl. Normal visual, speech, and hearing ability is required for the operation of basic office equipment, handling money, and customer service; must be able to distinguish colors visually. The employee must sometimes lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment Work is primarily indoors in an air‑conditioned, smoke‑free office. Continuous work at a computer keyboard. Work outside of normal office hours will be required to meet deadlines and accuracy requirements. Will require some travel for conferences and training.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING? To be considered for this amazing opportunity, please submit an employment application online through the Human Resources Department webpage at https://www.kaufmancounty.net/jobs. Completed applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until sufficient applications have been received. Applications will be screened, and those applications deemed best qualified will be invited to participate in an oral interview. The final candidate must be able to successfully pass a pre‑employment screening process which includes a drug and alcohol test, a complete criminal background investigation, and a driving record check.
If any accommodation is needed during the interviewing or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department at least five days in advance of your scheduled appointment so that we may be able to provide reasonable accommodation.
This bulletin is not a contract, neither expressed nor implied.
Any provision herein may be modified or revoked.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Acceptable Experience and Education Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Certificates and Licenses Required Must have and maintain a license to practice law in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. One (1) year of experience practicing law required.
Experience obtained under the third-year bar card, or work as a licensed attorney in the Public Defender’s Office on a Pro Bono basis, can be counted for experience. Maximum Pro Bono experience is one year. Qualifications include: completion of a law degree at an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school; current licensing as an attorney to practice law in the State of Texas, and have either attained this experience through the law school’s criminal clinic program, or internship with a district, county, or public defender offices while holding an active Third Year Student Bar Card. Along with the job application at interview the applicant will be required to present an official law school transcript and a notarized affidavit from the employer(s) where the internship was performed indicating the number of actual hours worked.
Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of Kaufman County.
About the County Kaufman County, Texas, was founded in 1848. Located adjacent to Dallas County on the east, Kaufman County is home to more than 145,000 people, 16 cities, four independent school districts, two colleges, and thousands of thriving businesses. Kaufman County has recently been named by the US Census Bureau as the fastest-growing county over 100,000 in the nation.
Summary of Position The Attorney/Trial Attorney under close supervision and depending on area of assignment provides general counsel for various County Offices and staff; prosecutes criminal, civil, and family law cases; represents, defends, and advocates for clients accused of a crime; reviews family case law for legal sufficiency and litigates family law enforcement cases. May include appellate work in any or all these areas.
This is the first in a series of three non-supervisory attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive.)
Performs legal research and keeps abreast of changes in the law.
Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to case or issue under consideration.
Examines video, file, and physical case evidence.
Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, contracts, notices, and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
Takes depositions and responds to discovery requests.
Responds to phone calls from the public; provides general information.
Oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs, warrants, contracts, official policies, and other related documents.
Represents the department at docket calls.
Prepares cases for trial.
Collects, organizes, and prepares evidence, information, and other legal materials.
Attends and participates in meetings, training, and information sessions.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrating commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts.
Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.
Public Defender’s Office
May include appellate work in any or all these areas.
Establishes and maintains close contact with defendants by regular visits to the Correctional facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact, or by letters to defendants not in custody.
Prepares litigation on family law cases covers this potential area of practice more inclusively.
Represents all indigent persons charged with crimes in the County whose cases are appointed to the Public Defender’s Office.
Defends individual adults and juveniles charged with felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic cases for which a sentence of incarceration may be imposed.
Provides representation at all stages of the court process, including before the filing of formal charges, at the trial court level, and any related appeals.
Provides effective representation to clients while managing a large caseload.
Represents as assigned to handle specific types of cases such as family, juvenile, indigent, mental health, appellate, etc.
Works closely with Public Defender staff, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialists, as well as community agencies to match needs of clients with resources, programs, and assistance providing holistic, client-centered representation.
Handles all court hearings for clients, including seeking bond reductions in the Jail Magistrate Court, arraignment court and bond court.
Interviews clients (both detained and on bond) supporting preparation for and argues motions for release on personal bond and/or bond reduction, development, and investigation of defenses to pending charges, and development of potential mitigation of punishment.
Meets with clients when arrested and obtains their history to make bond arguments to the court.
Maintains strong, ongoing working relationship with clients in person, including visits to detention facilities, by phone and by mail contact.
As required may be called to represent individuals at investigative proceedings, related civil matters, and other ancillary issues; may be assigned to handle cases involving post-conviction writs of habeas corpus and/or appellate relief.
Interviews and counsels respondents in mental health proceedings in Local or State treatment units where they may be confined and works closely with psychiatrists and other medical or treatment personnel.
Investigates and directs investigation by staff investigators into alleged crime(s) or offense, including by meeting with witnesses, police officers and reviewing the facts.
Meets with the client to discuss the appropriate action to be taken and whether pre-trial motions should be filed, discuss any plea offers from the State, and the consequences, including collateral legal consequences thereto, and ultimately prepare client and case for trial.
Reviews case, results of investigation, applicable laws and codes, and professional obligations to identify, prepare, direct filing, and litigate appropriate pretrial motions.
Performs as trial counsel by representing defendant’s clients during courtroom proceedings.
Researches case law, communicates with defendant clients to determine on an on-going basis, including to advise and consult in client’s decision whether to accept a plea offer, to go to trial with a judge or a jury for guilt/not guilt, to have punishment assessed by a judge or judge, whether to testify at the guilt phase, whether to testify at the punishment phase, and whether to appeal.
Prepares trial strategy, including mitigation case for punishment, such as prepares for direct and cross-examination of witness’s procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.
Acts as negotiator between the defendant clients and the State's Attorney's Office prosecutors to secure acquittals or reach agreement concerning sentence time plea agreements which would be the most beneficial for the defendant client, and the State's Attorney's Office.
Researches case law and witness testimony, conducts investigations and negotiates with the Prosecutor State's Attorney's Office. Analyzes facts, evidence, and the strength of case, determines client's wishes and meets with prosecutor to resolve the matter short of trial.
Represents defendant’s clients during other court proceedings. Prepares pre-trial motions such as Answer to Discovery, Motions to Suppress Evidence, Requests for Notice, Motions to Dismiss and Motions to Additional Discovery, which are required to be filed in accordance with the Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure, Texas Penal Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and other relevant statutes, as well as and a obtaining a hearing set to ensure that they are carried out properly litigate the motions as necessary.
Prepares, files, and litigates post-trial matters including Motions for New Trial, as necessary, such as motions to withdraw pleas, motions to reconsider sentence and post-conviction petitions.
Other Important Duties
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
May work extended hours and weekends.
Regular out-of-town travel for professional conferences and meetings.
Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment.
As members of the County of Kaufman County Emergency Response System, all Kaufman County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.
Additional Information Additional Information is not a separate section but refers to the organizational relationships and other expectations listed below.
Organizational Relationships
The position is non-supervisory. The attorney will have contact with department heads and/or staff to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities, attorneys, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law enforcement, witnesses, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the public.
Physical Working Conditions The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to sit for long periods of time, type for extended periods, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is sometimes required to climb, stoop, kneel, bend, or crawl. Normal visual, speech, and hearing ability is required for the operation of basic office equipment, handling money, and customer service; must be able to distinguish colors visually. The employee must sometimes lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment Work is primarily indoors in an air‑conditioned, smoke‑free office. Continuous work at a computer keyboard. Work outside of normal office hours will be required to meet deadlines and accuracy requirements. Will require some travel for conferences and training.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING? To be considered for this amazing opportunity, please submit an employment application online through the Human Resources Department webpage at https://www.kaufmancounty.net/jobs. Completed applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until sufficient applications have been received. Applications will be screened, and those applications deemed best qualified will be invited to participate in an oral interview. The final candidate must be able to successfully pass a pre‑employment screening process which includes a drug and alcohol test, a complete criminal background investigation, and a driving record check.
If any accommodation is needed during the interviewing or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department at least five days in advance of your scheduled appointment so that we may be able to provide reasonable accommodation.
This bulletin is not a contract, neither expressed nor implied.
Any provision herein may be modified or revoked.
#J-18808-Ljbffr