Assistant Public Defender - Pretrial & Appellate Litigation - Appellate Division

Harris County, Texas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office seeks an Assistant Public Defender to work with felony and misdemeanor trial teams on pretrial and appellate litigation in Houston, Texas.

Responsibilities include filing pretrial writs on bail and bond conditions, writing briefs for direct appeal and discretionary review, and representing clients through trial and appellate courts. Texas licensure or eligibility is required, with 5+ years preferred.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Criminal or Civil jury trial experience.
• Experience drafting appellate briefs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with filing pretrial writs on bail and bond conditions.
• File pretrial writs including challenging statutes, pleas in bar, or writs of mandamus.
• Litigate these matters in trial courts and on direct appeal and discretionary review in appellate courts.

Skills

Criminal/ Civil jury trial experience

Experience drafting appellate briefs

Education

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

Licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission

Licensed at least five years

Job description

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office:

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office 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 Overview:

The Assistant Public Defender will work closely with felony and misdemeanor trial attorneys focusing on pretrial and appellate litigation. This work includes assisting with the filing of pretrial writs on bail and bond conditions. When necessary, attorney will file pretrial writs including, but not limited to challenging the constitutionality of statutes, pleas in bar, or possible writs of mandamus. The attorney will litigate these matters in the trial courts and continue representation throughout the appellate courts on direct appeal and discretionary review stages of the appellate process.

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.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Criminal or Civil jury trial experience.
• Experience drafting appellate briefs.

Licensure:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission.
• Licensed at least five (5) years.

General Information

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.**