What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender, Trial Division position at Harris County?
Position Description
The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender-Trial Division. The Assistant Public Defender represents clients of the Public Defender's Office in felony or misdemeanor cases.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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:
Preferences
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender-Trial 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.
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.
- 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.
Preferences
- 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.
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 pay periods
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.