Assistant Public Defender, Felony Division
Position DescriptionThe 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 Employerhttps://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspxIf 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.RequirementsEducation 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 InformationPosition 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 periodsEmployment 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.HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITSHarris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:Health & Wellness BenefitsMedical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife InsuranceLong-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Time Off (PTO)Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)Eleven (11) County-observed holidaysOne (1) floating holiday per yearPaid Parental Leave*Sick LeaveRetirement Savings Benefit* 457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:Professional learning & development opportunitiesRetirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)Flexible work schedule*METRO RideSponsor Program*Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:www.benefitsathctx.com01Do you have a Juris Doctorate degree?* Yes* No02Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.03Are you currently licensed to practice law with the State Bar of Texas?* Yes* No04Do you have previous criminal defense and trial experience?* Yes* No05Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?Yes, I am fluent in both of these languagesNo, I am fluent in only one of these languagesNo, I am not fluent in either one of these languagesRequired QuestionEmployer Harris CountyAddress 1111 Fannin StSte. 600Houston, Texas, 77002Phone 713-274-5445Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx