Senior Assistant District Attorney

The Henry County District Attorney’s Office (Flint Judicial Circuit, approximately 30 minutes south of Atlanta) has an opening for an Assistant District Attorney with our Trial Line. Remote working two days per week is an option when the court schedule permits, after the initial training and adjustment period.

The purpose of this position is to investigate and prosecute or defend misdemeanor criminal cases in an assigned legal office or County department. This position is distinguished from Attorney in that incumbents in this class function as an expert attorney in their area of assignment, independently manage felony case assignments, act as lead attorney on assigned routine and moderately complex felony trial cases, may assist in more complex upper-level felony cases and appellate cases, and provide guidance, direction, and training to a unit of attorneys.  

• Leads and coordinates daily work activities of a unit of attorneys or a caseload in specialty area; trains and instructs lower-level attorneys and interns; provides guidance and oversight to attorneys, investigators, and legal support staff; develops unit work objectives and procedures; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; and advises staff regarding complex/problem situations. 
• Reviews reports/case files submitted by law enforcement; determines whether further investigation is needed; conducts research on alternative or additional charges; reads and researches case law.
• Drafts accusations and indictments; dismisses cases that are not prosecutable; evaluates cases for suitability for Accountability Courts.
• Presents cases to grand jury; questions witnesses, answers jurors’ questions; works with trial team (trial partner, investigator, victim advocate, trial assistant, etc.); determines appropriate sentence recommendations.
• Evaluates and researches potential defenses; negotiates pleas to resolve cases; develops trial plan and strategy for cases; subpoenas appropriate witnesses for motions and trials; files motions in appropriate timeframe prior to trial; complies with discovery requirements; researches and argues all pretrial motions; prepares for and attends trial on cases that cannot be otherwise resolved.
• Conducts initial case evaluations as assigned; reviews case file and analyzes the facts and evidence of the case; assesses defendants’ 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 complainants, law enforcement officers, and defendants; requests and inspects records and evidence; makes investigative requests and follows up on leads; obtains and reviews scientific results and analysis; identifies and interviews witnesses; verifies 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; anticipates legal issues; prepares graphics and exhibits; assists in the development of case strategies; and presents cases to superiors.
• Represents assigned clients, including the County, 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 County staff, 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; research relevant case law; interprets case law 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 into computer system; 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 assignment; 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. 
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. 
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. 
• Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other County employees, law enforcement, outside attorneys, judicial staff, clients, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Education and Experience: 

Requires a Juris Doctorate, and five (5) years of related experience practicing law in area of assignment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess and maintain licensure from the Georgia State Bar Association.  

Special Requirements: 

All applicants must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia or be in good standing of another state’s bar association that is eligible for reciprocity admittance to the State Bar of Georgia; and be admitted to practice before the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. All candidates are subject to a background check. Applicants selected for hire will be subject to fingerprinting, a criminal history background check, a motor vehicle driver’s history check and pre-employment drug screening; employment is contingent upon the completion and satisfactory results of each investigation.

• Knowledge of local government operations, legal related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job. 
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.  
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes. 
• Ability to operate a copying machine. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to such adverse environmental conditions as violence, disease, or rude/irate clients.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description.  Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.