attorney v.7035500 - Dallas, United States - Dallas County

Description

Brief Description
Probate Court No.

3 with Primary Jurisdiction Over Mental Illness Court - Statutory Probate Court presides over matters relating to decedent's estates, probate of wills and related administration of decedent's estates; creates guardianships over person and estate of minors and incapacitated adults pursuant to Texas Estates Code.

Conducts trials related to all matters incident and appertaining to decedents and wards estates and presides over all matters over which Court maintains original jurisdiction.

Additionally, Probate Court No.

3 exclusively presides over Mental Illness Court two days per week, and conducts probable cause hearings, commitment hearings, medication hearings and trials associated with contested involuntary confinements, and such other matters both judicial and procedural as it pertains to the Texas Health and Safety Code and Mental Health Laws; acts as liaison between Dallas County and the community which it serves by accepting and processing mental illness warrant applications for emergency detention.

Supervises the operations of an assigned court and/or assigned cases including staff supervision, evaluation and training.
Detailed DescriptionManages the court docket by assigning cases and work to Judges, Administrative Assistants and other Court staff.

Authorizes reduction in level or class of offenses, recommends PR bonds, approves granting of probation and signs various types of dismissals.

Resolves disputes between the court, probate attorneys and staff, and determines appropriate actions to be taken for unusual, extremely serious or complex situations.

Ensures that records and documents are accurate, up-to-date and processed in accordance with standard procedures.

Evaluates assigned cases or lawsuits by:

• reviewing documentation,
• conducting and interpreting legal research on applicable law, rules and regulations,
• interviewing witnesses or persons with knowledge of the cases,
• gathering evidence, and
• determining the appropriate action(s) to be taken. Drafts, files and responds to motions, briefs or other legal documents for trials and/or hearings. Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony and ensures participants are kept informed on status of case. Gathers, prepares and presents evidence, exhibits and related materials for trials or hearings.

Assists the Judge in pre-trials, evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials by:

• researching jury selection,
• researching opening statements,
• monitoring direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and
• monitoring closing arguments. Assesses strengths and weaknesses of cases, reviews settlement agreements and obtains approval, if necessary, of settlement agreements Prepares legal documents if settlement agreements are reached and ensures proper signatures are secured and documents filed as required. Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs probate personnel in legal aspects of litigation; and speaks before community and citizens groups. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job RequirementsGraduation from an accredited law school. Four (4) years of experience practicing law. Requires a current license to practice law in the State of Texas.

Requires experience as lead for more-complex felony cases, as lead counsel in conjunction with more serious or complex civil litigation, or extensive appellate work on direct appeals and capital writs.

Standard office and court environment.


Disclaimer:
This is an "At Will" position with no civil service or other appellate rights. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.