Public Defender & Mental Health Attorney — Impactful Courtwork

Burnet County; Burnet (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnet County seeks an Assistant Public Defender – Mental Health Attorney to provide legal services to indigent clients in Blanco, Burnet and Llano counties. Requires Texas State Bar license and knowledge of Texas law; handles felonies, misdemeanors, or juvenile cases.

You will research best practices for working with mentally ill clients, prepare trials and reports, interview clients and witnesses, and collaborate with staff and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience practicing law required.
• Experience with individuals with mental health issues or related fields preferred.
• Strong command of English language, reading and writing.
• Ability to read, write and speak English clearly is essential.
• High-level critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Represent mentally ill indigent clients in Blanco, Burnet and Llano Counties in felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Research and train on best practices for working with mentally ill clients; coordinate staff development.
• Provide presence and handle client issues, including de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Prepare administrative and statistical reports; develop department initiatives.
• Interview clients and potential witnesses; conduct legal research and draft documents.
• Maintain case files, trial notebooks and dispositions; collaborate with outside agencies.

Skills

Legal research

Public defense experience

Mental health exposure

Communication skills

Reading & writing English

Problem solving

Driver license

Education

Law degree (J.D.)

Texas State Bar License

Job description

Burnet County seeks an Assistant Public Defender – Mental Health Attorney to provide legal services to indigent clients in Blanco, Burnet and Llano counties. Requires Texas State Bar license and knowledge of Texas law; handles felonies, misdemeanors, or juvenile cases.

You will research best practices for working with mentally ill clients, prepare trials and reports, interview clients and witnesses, and collaborate with staff and external agencies.