Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office invites applications for a Felony Division Attorney. The role focuses on representing individuals charged with felonies, collaborating with investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialists to provide comprehensive defense.

You will handle cases from assignment through disposition, advising clients throughout the criminal process. Requirements include a Juris Doctor from an accredited school, Texas bar admission in good standing, and at least

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with felony offenses in Harris County District Courts.
• Manage a felony caseload subject to office caseload limits.
• Research, analyze, and interpret legal issues and develop case strategies.
• Conduct legal research and prepare motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal pleadings.
• Review discovery, investigate facts, identify defenses, and prepare cases for litigation and trial.
• Meet regularly with clients to discuss options, strategy, and provide legal advice.
• Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, law enforcement, and others, including visits to local jails.
• Collaborate with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and defense team members.
• Participate in case staffing and strategy discussions; conduct plea negotiations as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Criminal law

Client communications

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office

The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients, protect constitutional rights, and promote fairness within the legal system.

Position Overview

The Felony Division represents individuals charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts. Attorneys handle a wide range of cases, from state jail felonies to serious first-degree felonies. Attorneys work closely with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation. HCPDO maintains caseload limits to support high-quality representation and meaningful client advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts.
• Manage a felony caseload subject to office caseload limits designed to support effective, client-centered representation, from appointment through disposition.
• Research, analyze, and interpret legal issues and develop case strategies.
• Conduct legal research and prepare motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal pleadings.
• Review discovery, investigate facts, identify legal and factual defenses, and prepare cases for litigation and trial.
• Meet regularly with clients to explain legal options, discuss case strategy, and provide legal advice.
• Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties, including regular visits to local jails and detention facilities.
• Collaborate with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation.
• Participate in case staffing and strategy discussions with attorneys and other members of the defense team.
• Conduct plea negotiations and advocate for favorable outcomes on behalf of clients.
• Represent clients at hearings, evidentiary proceedings, and jury trials, including examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments.
• Provide zealous, ethical, and client-centered representation at all stages of the criminal legal process.
• 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].

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 Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience.

Licensure

• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to client-centered representation and indigent defense.

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 felony criminal cases.
• Felony jury trial experience.
• Experience representing indigent clients.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish 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 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.