Description
Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the attorney will handle all aspects of criminal and civil proceedings/trials at Municipal Court and related appeals in the County or District Courts. Duties will include assisting with the development of policies and strategies that will improve the local administration of justice and advance the quality of life in the City of Tyler. The attorney will also assist with Public Information Act requests, research open records cases, and draft requests for open records rulings to the Attorney General.
Essential Functions:
Applicant will handle all aspects of criminal and civil cases, trials and other proceedings filed at Municipal Court and related appeals in the County or District Courts.
Effectively and efficiently manage large caseloads from filing to adjudication, including but not limited to: drafting complaints, obtaining and responding to requests for discovery, trial prep and motions practice, voir dire and jury management, evidence procurement, management and presentation, witness examinations, and managing appeals.
Analyze legal questions, apply correct legal concepts/laws, determine potential consequences of a proposed action, and present facts and legal opinions/recommendations in a clear and concise format.
Research statutes, cases, regulations, legal treatises, law review, and other legal publications as it applies to municipal court prosecution, and keep the City Attorney and related departments informed as to any changes in law or interpretations.
Supervise contract prosecutors, maintain prosecution budget and business plan, and work closely with Municipal Court judges and staff.
Generate and present periodic training to contract prosecutors, court staff, and all related departments, employees, and witnesses.
Become knowledgeable about the Texas Public Information Act, research open records cases, work closely with the City Clerk's Office, and draft requests for open records rulings to the Attorney General.
Assist with the development, analysis and implementation of ordinances, policies and processes that will improve the local administration of justice and advance the quality of life in the City of Tyler.
Provide a wide arrange of high level professional legal services to internal City enforcement departments, and coordinate services with external enforcement agencies.
Attend continuing legal education seminars and training, keep informed of court decisions and legislative changes, and relay any changes in law or interpretations applicable to municipal court to City Attorney and necessary departments.
Must be able to operate computers and appropriate software (Westlaw, Word, Excel, etc.), a calculator, multi-line telephone, and copy machine.
Must be willing to travel frequently to and from Tyler Municipal Court, and be available one night a week for night-time court dockets.
Other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of State law, criminal law, and prosecution principles;
Knowledge of court methods and procedures;
Knowledge and use of Texas rules of procedure and evidence;
Skilled in trial processes, practices and procedures;
Skilled in applying legal principles to determinations on individual cases and problems;
Skilled in analyzing, appraising and organizing facts, evidence and precedents;
Skilled in performing research and analysis;
Skilled in conducting negotiations;
Skilled in communicating effectively orally and in writing.
Skilled in reading, interpreting, applying, and explaining, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential information;
Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple tasks or projects;
Ability to represent the State in a just, ethical, fair, and professional manner.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Must have obtained a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Texas Bar Association and must remain active by meeting all Texas Bar annual requirements.
A Texas driver's license in good standing, or the ability to obtain one within the next thirty (30) days, and with acceptable driving records, unless other transportation alternatives are necessary.
Some trial experience from law school or an affiliated internship program, preferred.
Some municipal law experience gained from law school or an affiliated internship program, preferred.
