Legal Assistant III - Discovery -DA

Reporting directly to a Felony Prosecutor III, responsible for providing professional legal administrative support to the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

• Organizes, documents, and notates electronic and paper case files
• Maintains confidentiality and security of records and information
• Requests defendant criminal history priors by either email, fax, or postal mail
• Assists law enforcement agencies with receipt of evidence
• Responds to internal and external status requests
• Manages physical media files and archives evidence files upon final disposition
• Receives documents from investigators or records secretary after initial discovery requests have been fulfilled
• Releases copies of evidence in criminal cases (discovery) in a timely manner to defense attorneys upon official request
• Facilitates referral of cases to County Attorney’s Office and access to Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)
• Interacts with defense attorneys regarding the viewing of material which must be made available, but which cannot be copied pursuant to state law
• Copies, redacts, and converts video and audio files as requested in compliance with state law and court orders
• Prepares digital copies and logs-in discovery requests and receipts
• Records proof of discovery transactions in the digital file of each case
• Facilitates the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) discovery processes
• Reviews charging document, verifies charges with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and reports to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
• Reviews indictments and reports to CJIS
• Prepares bench warrants as directed

• Orders certified copies of prior convictions, driving, and incarceration records as directed

• Prepares Jury Seating Charts
• Updates Juror Spreadsheet with notes before and after Jury Trial
• Closes case file after final disposition and reports to CJIS as required
• Monitors felony case reports and event lists and responds as necessary
• Forwards E-file Notices to assigned prosecutor
• Receives and handles phone calls and communicates messages
• Receives, reviews, distributes, and handles correspondence
• Attends all meetings and trainings as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to – Felony Prosecutor III
• Direct Reports – No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, prolonged reading, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, repetitive motions, and standing
• Position involves occasional lifting and carrying of up to fifty (50) pounds and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objects

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
• High-volume legal office with stressful situations

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

• Associate degree and three (3) years of experience in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and specific job-related technology

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working in a District Attorney’s Office, County Government, and/or State Agency
• Prior experience scanning, imaging, indexing and familiarity with digital, video, and audio conversion software and procedures
• Prior experience using Odyssey Navigator or other legal case management software

EMPLOYMENT TESTING 

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
• Drug screening: No
• Physical exam: No
• Psychological exam: No
• Additional: N/A

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Salary : $23 - $27