Assistant Public Defender, Trial Division

Position Description

The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender-Felony Trial Division. The Assistant Public Defender represents clients of the Public Defender's Office in felony cases.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Researches, analyzes and interprets issues of law.

• Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review.

• Reviews drafts of pleadings, motions, and memoranda prepared by legal staff.

• Assigns legal personnel in preparation of case files, or to collect data, or evidence for case work.

• Participates with other attorneys in the formulation of legal strategies for particular clients.

• Renders legal advice to clients with senior attorneys through corresponding, and meets with clients to explain legal strategies, and to obtain client's input and approval.

• Makes contact with clients, witnesses, and law enforcement as required, including regular trips to the jails and prisons.

• Assists county public defenders in researching legal issues, and in preparing memoranda, pleadings and motions.

• Answers inquiries from indigent clients (e.g. answers telephone calls and correspondence; initiates correspondence; reviews and researches claims; initiates legal petitions when appropriate; prepares pleadings and memoranda; appears in court on behalf of indigent clients)

• Prepares cases for trial and independently tries cases, examines witnesses, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations, and conducts appeals and other post-convictions matters.

• Assures zealous representation.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education and Licensure:

• Juris Doctorate degree.

• Current license to practice law with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good written and oral communications skills.

• Effective organizational and time management skills.

• Must possess the skill to manage a demanding caseload of cases assigned from criminal courts.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Previous criminal defense and trial experience is preferred.

• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time

• Monday

• Friday | 8:00 A.M.

• 5:00 P.M.

• May occasionally require evening and weekend hours.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications

• Based on 26 pay periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.

The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage

• Dental Coverage

• Vision Coverage

• Wellness Plan

• Life Insurance

• Long-term disability

• Employee Assistance Program

• Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service

• Accrual rates increase based on years of service

• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday

• Professional development opportunities

• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

• Healthcare Reimbursement Account

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
• Flexible schedule (varies by department)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

https://benefitsathctx.com/

01

Do you have a Juris Doctorate degree?

• Yes

• No

02

Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.

03

Are you currently licensed to practice law with the State Bar of Texas?

• Yes

• No

04

Do you have previous criminal defense and trial experience?

• Yes

• No

05

Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?

• Yes, I am fluent in both of these languages

• No, I am fluent in only one of these languages

• No, I am not fluent in either one of these languages

Required Question

Agency Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx