Assistant Public Defender

Hirebridge; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 79,560 - 86,028; Full time

Job summary

A legal representation entity in Houston, Texas is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to provide legal representation for defendants in criminal cases. The role includes conducting trials, investigations, and maintaining communication with clients. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor degree as well as have a year of experience in criminal defense. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $79,560 to $86,028, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• One year of experience in practicing law, criminal defense, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal representation to eligible defendants.
• Conducts initial interviews and jail visits with clients.
• Investigates cases; conducts research; collects/reviews information.

Job description

Assistant Public Defender

Grade 30 – Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) – $86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour)

Supervisor: Sara Meyers – Public Defender

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

• Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Provides legal representation to eligible defendants.
• Represents defendants in criminal jury trials, non‑jury trials, preliminary hearings, probation violation hearings, motion hearings, bond hearings, jury trial calendar calls, non‑jury trial calendar calls, or other legal actions.
• Conducts initial interviews and jail visits with clients; maintains ongoing communications with clients and family members to discuss case details.
• Investigates cases; conducts research; collects/reviews information; obtains statements from victims, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel.
• Consults with public defender, district attorney, judges, staff attorneys, and other staff members to discuss cases as needed; conducts plea‑bargain negotiations.
• Prepares for and conducts trials; performs jury selection; prepares/presents opening statements; performs direct and cross examinations; presents evidence; argues motions and objections; prepares jury instructions, closing arguments, publication of verdicts and sentencing; handles appeals processes.
• Negotiates sentence recommendations as appropriate based on legal and factual information.
• Performs legal research functions; reviews current and updated case law and statutes.
• Compiles and/or tracks various administrative and/or statistical data pertaining to departmental operations; makes applicable calculations; prepares or generates reports; maintains records.
• Processes documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes; distributes documentation or maintains records as appropriate.
• Prepares routine correspondence, forms, reports, pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents via computer and/or typewriter.
• Receives various forms, correspondence, and other documentation; reviews, responds, forwards, maintains, and/or takes other action as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to research, review, enter and/or modify information in database; maintains file system of department records.
• Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, staff members, the public or other individuals.
• Maintains current publications, manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, etc., for reference and/or review.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general office tasks including data entry, typing, answering telephone, mailing correspondence and checks, making copies, backing up data files, filing, and distributing reports. Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of civil and criminal law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process, and real property; knowledge of the practices, policies, procedures and methods of the Juvenile, Magistrate, State and Superior Courts; knowledge of the functions, programs and documentation associated with the Juvenile, Magistrate, State and Superior Courts; knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research; knowledge of court structure and court procedures; knowledge of the form and content of various legal instruments and documents; knowledge of legal books; knowledge of departmental functions, organization, and policies; knowledge of standard office and legal office practices and procedures; knowledge of filing and record‑keeping methods; knowledge of business mathematics; knowledge of standard office equipment; and knowledge of basic computer applications and techniques.

Skill in operating standard office equipment; and skill in utilizing various computer software programs relevant to the position.

Ability to interpret and apply state civil and criminal law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process, and real property; to assess situations, ascertain facts, and make appropriate decisions; to interpret and apply laws firmly, tactfully and impartially; to handle complex trial and appellate litigation; to understand departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations; to organize work activities and establish priorities; to carry out projects with minimal supervision; to exercise discretion and independent judgment; to maintain confidentiality of department information; to gather and compile data for reports; to prepare detailed and concise reports; to understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to present complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; to speak effectively in public; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, court officials, county officials, other agencies, the legal community, and the general public; to effectively interact with various individuals in a firm yet courteous manner, often in stressful or emotional situations; to perform required mathematical calculations; to operate standard office equipment; and to utilize various computer software programs relevant to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctor degree required; one year of experience in practicing law, criminal defense, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid State Bar of Georgia license.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical requirements: Must be able to operate a variety of automated office equipment including a computer, printer, typewriter, copy machine, facsimile machine, camera, VCR, television, calculator, and telephone. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.

Data comprehension: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics of data, people, or things which may include forms, reports, newsletters, legal code books, reference materials, policy manuals, and training manuals.

Interpersonal communication: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange legal and court‑related information, including giving assignments and/or directions to co‑workers or assistants as well as communicating with officials and the general public.

Language ability: Requires ability to read a variety of legal and court‑related documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to complete forms and to write complex job‑related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well‑modulated voice.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex legal and court‑related principles and techniques; to understand departmental policies and procedures; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

Verbal aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, such as in a public speaking situation, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

Numerical aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and interpret statistical data.

Form/spatial aptitude: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job‑related equipment.

Motor coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.

Manual dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, automated office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.; Must use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities; Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color differentiation: May require the ability to discern color.

Interpersonal temperament: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

Physical communication: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.