Attorney -III – Office of First Defense

Job Summary

The Office of First Defense provides quality legal defense to persons magistrated in Travis County under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Magistration is the critical step in the Criminal Legal Process in which an arrestee goes before a Magistrate Judge to have their bail and the conditions for their release set. Attorneys selected for this position will represent indigent arrestees at these bail hearings.

Once fully staffed, the office will represent approximately 14,000 clients each year in these limited‑scope proceedings. This is an opportunity to help create a holistic, client‑centered public defender office from the ground up. Attorney I ‑ III provide zealous representation for clients at a critical moment in the criminal legal process. Magistration shifts occur during the day, night, weekends, and holidays.

Individuals selected for this position will be required to work those days and hours.

• Attorney I: Handles cases and matters that are the least complex, may result in the least serious consequences, and requires supervision.
• Attorney II: Handles cases and matters that are the least complex, may result in the least serious consequences, and does not require supervision.
• Attorney III: Handles moderately complex cases that may result in moderately severe consequences with supervision and other matters that may be less complex.

• Attorney I: $85,500 – $86,089.16 annually
• Attorney II: $89,000 – $92,065.62 annually
• Attorney III: $92,000 – $ annually

• Provide high‑quality criminal defense representation that complies with state and federal constitutions, state statutes, ethical rules, and state and national standards.
• Provide client‑centered representation in proceedings held under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to achieve client‑centered goals.
• Communicate professionally with clients, conduct legal research, and advocate on behalf of clients in court.
• Interact professionally with judges, prosecutors, and court personnel.
• Prepare clients and their cases for magistration.
• Wisely use county services, equipment, facilities, and finances in advocating for clients.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Attorney I: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school.
• Attorney II: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school and 18 months of licensed attorney work experience.
• Attorney III: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school and 3 years of licensed attorney work experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.

• Cover letter detailing interest in the position and reasons for wanting to work in public defense for Travis County.
• Hearing and trial experience consistent with years of practice.
• Mission‑aligned experience (work or lived) advocating on behalf of indigent clients.
• Effective client‑management skills and rapport‑building techniques.
• Performance in a high‑volume, high‑conflict area of litigation.
• Effective litigation techniques for presentation of cases in court and the ability to present facts and arguments verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence.
• Proficiency with criminal defense software and case‑management tools.

• Legal principles and practices related to criminal defense.
• Philosophy and practices of client‑centered and holistic defense practices.
• Methods, practices, and applications of criminal defense and effective litigation techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, local, and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Investigative techniques.
• Computer equipment, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and case‑management software.

• Problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Analyzing and appraising facts, policies, procedures, and legal precedents in area of specialty.
• Verbal and written communication, including presentations.
• Conducting legal research and analysis, both manually and electronically.
• Presenting facts, precedents, and arguments verbally and in writing and…