Assistant Public Defender, Felony Division

Position Overview:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender-Felony Division. The Assistant Public Defender represents clients of the Public Defender's Office in felony or misdemeanor cases. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Researches, analyzes and interprets issues of law. 
• Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review.
• Reviews drafts of pleadings, motions, and memoranda prepared by legal staff.
• Assigns legal personnel in preparation of case files, or to collect data, or evidence for case work.
• Participates with other attorneys in the formulation of legal strategies for particular clients.
• Renders legal advice to clients with senior attorneys through corresponding, and meets with clients to explain legal strategies, and to obtain client's input and approval.
• Makes contact with clients, witnesses, and law enforcement as required, including regular trips to the jails and prisons.
• Assists county public defenders in researching legal issues, and in preparing memoranda, pleadings and motions.
• Answers inquiries from indigent clients (e.g. answers telephone calls and correspondence; initiates correspondence; reviews and researches claims; initiates legal petitions when appropriate; prepares pleadings and memoranda; appears in court on behalf of indigent clients)
• Prepares cases for trial and independently tries cases, examines witnesses, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations, and conducts appeals and other post-convictions matters.
• Assures zealous representation.

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.