Domestic Violence Attorney - County Solicitor General's Office

The Cobb County Solicitor General's Office seeks a dedicated and detail-oriented Domestic Violence Attorney to manage and prosecute domestic violence cases. This role requires expertise in criminal law, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement, victims, defense attorneys, and office personnel. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to justice, victim advocacy, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities include:

Case Management:

• Oversee all aspects of a high volume domestic violence case prosecution, including reviewing case files, preparing accusations, conducting legal research, communicating with victims and witnesses, and handling pre-trial and trial proceedings.
• Manage calendar calls, domestic violence (DV) court, and jail calendar sessions, ensuring timely processing and resolution of cases.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure evidence integrity and proper case preparation.
• Respond to all motions and appeals.

Victim and Stakeholder Communication:

• Accuse cases within ten days of receipt, investigate thoroughly, and negotiate case resolutions and facilitate plea agreements with opposing counsel prior to Arraignment while maintaining the integrity of the office’s mission.

Supervision and Collaboration:

• Assist junior attorneys with case preparation and strategy, providing mentorship and guidance as needed.
• Participate in team meetings to align with office objectives and collaborate on high-profile or complex cases.

Special Assignments:

• As required by the Solicitor General.

• Represent the Solicitor General's Office at domestic violence prevention events and initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns and community events as needed.

Key Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to mentor junior staff and lead collaborative efforts in the Domestic Violence Unit.
• Trial skills:  Should have tried 20+ domestic violence jury trials.

Conducts initial case evaluations as assigned; reviews case file and analyzes the facts and evidence of the case; assesses client eligibility and needs; reviews criminal histories; determines appropriateness of diversion, dismissal, or charges; reviews accuracy of jurisdiction, venue, and scope of arrest powers; ensures sufficient probable cause; prepares or reviews charges and discovery; and prepares for arraignment.

Investigates, analyzes, and prepares assigned cases for hearings and trials; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; prepares graphics and exhibits; makes investigative requests and follows up on leads; obtains and reviews scientific results and analysis; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; assists in the development of case strategies; and presents cases to superiors.

Represents assigned clients at arraignments, preliminary and pre-trial hearings and conferences, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, alternative and diversion programs, specialty courts, or any related courtroom proceedings; prepares and argues motions and evidence; negotiates and presents plea resolutions; negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers; and assists with jury selection, opening and closing statements, evidence presentation, witness questioning, and bond/sentencing recommendations as assigned.

Communicates with and serves as a liaison to clients, victims, families, witnesses, and community partners; develops attorney-client relationship; provides information and updates regarding case status; makes appropriate referrals; requests victim advocates and assists them as needed; and explains and advises regarding the investigative and judicial process.

Conducts research and documentation for assigned cases; researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts complaints, accusations, indictments, jury charges, and supporting documents; and makes trial notes.

Manages assigned caseload; attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files; inputs and records case-related data and notes; logs case activities; closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts and others.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge in appropriate legal fields; attends conferences, seminars, meetings and training events relevant to area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes; and participates in professional organizations.

Coordinates with community partners and the public to support and promote criminal justice efforts and crime prevention initiatives; educates and informs the community about the criminal justice system; and conducts and attends meetings with schools, government organizations, healthcare providers, interest groups, or other community partners.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor Degree required; membership and license to practice law through the Georgia State Bar Association; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior attorneys or staff.
• Knowledge of the unique challenges and sensitivities in domestic violence cases.
• Strong trial advocacy skills and familiarity with trial preparation techniques.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, taste, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, animal/human bites, explosives, firearms, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.