City Attorney- Prosecutor

The City Attorney - Prosecutor position is established by City Charter to perform municipal legal work including the effective prosecution of cases in Municipal Court, including representing the city in criminal proceedings involving violations of municipal codes, ordinances, and state laws (typically misdemeanors and infractions). The role includes handling cases from investigation through trial and appeal, advising law enforcement, and ensuring justice is administered fairly and in accordance with the law.

• Demonstrates legal knowledge and skills in prosecution of misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, parking violations, and municipal code infractions.
• Represents the State of Texas and City of University Park in dockets, pretrial hearings, bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing.
• Conducts investigations, witness interviews, and evidence review to establish whether there is probable cause to file a charge.
• Researches, analyzes and drafts legal documents, including charging instruments, motions, and discovery. Prepares and files legal motions, briefs, and other court documents. Conducts legal research of state statutes, local ordinances, case law, and administrative regulations.
• Communicates effectively with members of the public, law enforcement, judges, court staff, city employees, pro se defendants and other attorneys in preparation of cases, identification and resolution of issues and plea recommendations. 
• Reviews cases referred by SMU Police Department and Highland Park Independent School District to establish probable cause. Partners with the Youth Diversion Coordinator to formulate recommendations for the Court, judges, and community partners.
• Represents the State of Texas in proceedings involving juveniles charged with fine-only misdemeanors.
• Demonstrates proficiency in research of issues, application of law to facts and City operations, prosecutorial duties, and impact on the City, community and public policy.
• Evaluates, recommends and implements operational efficiencies including criminal case review and prosecution, docket management, and other office best-practices for a Municipal Court. 
• Provides legal advice or recommendation of a course of action after research, analysis and evaluation of the situation or matter affecting the City and legal issues affecting such situation or matter.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

• Knowledge of: Texas criminal law, procedures and rules of evidence as they relate to a Municipal Court of record, appeals and applicable constitutional provisions; laws directly or indirectly affecting City government; laws affecting municipalities, including but not limited to the Public Information Act and Texas Local Government, Government, and Health and Safety Codes, for purposes of civil code enforcement, procurement, and contracting regulations.  
• Skill in: Prosecuting all aspects of Class C Misdemeanor cases in a Municipal Court; demonstrating highly effective analytical, organizational, verbal and written communications skills; interpreting codes, ordinances, statutes and legislation; drafting pleadings and legal documents.
• Education: Must be a graduate of an accredited law school. 
• Experience: Ten (10) years broad experience in criminal and municipal law. Any equivalent work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.
• Licenses and Certifications: Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Required to attend TMCEC Prosecutor Seminars once every twelve months and maintain CLE.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.