Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Division

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office seeks an Assistant Public Defender to join the Appellate Division, representing indigent clients in post-conviction appeals, motions for new trial, and discretionary reviews. The ideal candidate is a strong legal writer, skilled researcher, and committed to thoughtful advocacy.

Responsibilities include reviewing trial records, drafting appellate briefs and petitions, communicating with clients, and collaborating with trial teams.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or eligible for admission to the Texas Bar.
• Experience handling criminal appeals, motions for new trial, or petitions for discretionary review.
• Spanish language proficiency (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Represent clients during direct appeal and discretionary review stages of criminal proceedings.
• Review trial records, transcripts, and applicable law to identify appellate issues.
• Prepare appellate briefs, motions, petitions, and other legal filings.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members regarding the status of their cases and the appellate process.
• Collaborate with trial attorneys and other members of the office as appropriate.
• Accurately document case activity and maintain records in the case management system.
• Stay current on changes in Texas and federal criminal law and appellate practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Caseload management

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Job description

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office (HCPDO) is committed to providing client-centered, high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy and collaboration.

Position Description

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join the Appellate Division. This position represents indigent clients throughout the post-conviction appellate process, including motions for new trial, direct appeals, and petitions for discretionary review. The ideal candidate is a strong legal writer, skilled researcher, and committed to providing exceptional representation through thoughtful legal analysis and effective written advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent clients during direct appeal, and discretionary review stages of criminal proceedings.


• Review trial records, transcripts, and applicable law to identify and preserve appellate issues.


• Conduct legal research and prepare appellate briefs, motions, petitions, and other legal filings.


• Maintain regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members regarding the status of their cases and the appellate process.


• Collaborate with trial attorneys and other members of the office as appropriate.


• Accurately document case activity and maintain records in the case management system.


• Stay current on changes in Texas and federal criminal law and appellate practice.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.


• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.


• Commitment to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients.

Licensure

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or eligible for admission to the Texas Bar.

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.

• Experience handling criminal appeals, motions for new trial, or petitions for discretionary review.


• Judicial clerkship experience, particularly with an appellate court.


• Experience in criminal defense or indigent defense.


• Spanish language proficiency.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Regular Full-time


• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary

• Depends on Qualifications


• Based on 26 Pay Periods
  
  
  • Plus, benefits
  
  

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

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