What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender, Felony Division position at Harris County?
The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender-Felony Division. The Assistant Public Defender represents clients of the Public Defender's Office in felony or misdemeanor 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.
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.
Previous criminal defense and trial experience is preferred.
Bilingual in English/Spanish.
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.