Indigent Defense Attorney II - Misdemeanor & Juvenile

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County seeks an experienced attorney to represent indigent defendants in misdemeanor, juvenile detention, or mental health cases. The role involves case evaluation, preparation, trial advocacy, and ensuring effective communication with judges, prosecutors, court personnel, families, and witnesses.

Requirements include graduation from an ABA-accredited law school, Texas bar license, and at least one year of legal practice.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a license to practice law in Texas.
• 1 year of experience practicing law required.
• Experience through a law school criminal clinic or internship with a district, county, or public defender office can count toward experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates appointed cases by reviewing documentation, researching applicable law, interviewing clients and witnesses, gathering evidence, and determining actions.
• Interviews clients and discusses facts, potential defenses, and procedures.
• Explains legal process to witnesses and prepares them for court, updating clients on case status.
• Drafts, files, and responds to motions, briefs, or other legal documents for trial or hearing.
• Gathers, prepares, reviews, and presents evidence and exhibits for trial or hearing.
• Represents clients in trial and hearings, conducts jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
• Participates in plea negotiations and ensures signatures and filings are completed.
• Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks, and maintains caseload statistics.
• Trains and assists in training less experienced misdemeanor public defenders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job description

Dallas County seeks an experienced attorney to represent indigent defendants in misdemeanor, juvenile detention, or mental health cases. The role involves case evaluation, preparation, trial advocacy, and ensuring effective communication with judges, prosecutors, court personnel, families, and witnesses.

Requirements include graduation from an ABA-accredited law school, Texas bar license, and at least one year of legal practice.