Job Description
The Harris County Public Defender?s Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Misdemeanor Division of the Trial Bureau. The Assistant Public Defender provides holistic, client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses in Harris County.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the County Criminal Courts at Law while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
- Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda, and other pleadings subject to review.
- Collaborates with support staff and investigators to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop a strong defense.
- Works with colleagues to develop and implement defense strategies tailored to each client?s needs.
- Fosters a respectful, team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, and court personnel, and supports co-workers as needed.
- Partners with other divisions in the office to deliver holistic representation and address the full range of client needs.
- Provides legal advice and meets with clients to explain defense strategies, answer questions, and incorporate their input into case planning.
- Maintains regular communication with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel, including frequent visits to the jail to ensure clients are informed and supported.
- Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge to disposition. Examines witnesses, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations.
- Participates in training and professional development opportunities both within and outside the office.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the office.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
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:
- A Juris Doctorate degree.
Licensure:
- Current license to practice law with the State Bar of Texas.
- Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Good written and oral communications skills.
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- The ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned from the courts.
- The ability to work in a team environment.
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.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-time
- Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular(full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
Qualification
Juris Doctor (JD)
Practice Areas & Specialty
Criminal, Litigation
Key skill Required
- Case Planning
- Communication
- Comprehensive
- Deferred Compensation
- Development
- Documentation
- Healthcare
- History
- Insurance
- Learning
- Legal Research
- Licensure
- Life Insurance
- Management
- Professional Development
- Professional Learning
- Professionalism
- Research
- Respectful
- Supervision
- Supporting Documentation
- Time Management
- Training
