Attorney -III

The Travis County Public Defender's Office is a comprehensive public defender office envisioned to be client-centered, independent, and innovative to the needs of the Travis County community. Consistent with nationally recognized best practices, the PDO provides high-quality holistic defense representation and other support to its clients. We represent youth in Juvenile Court and adults, including those living with serious mental illness/intellectual or developmental disability, in Criminal Court.

We are currently seeking applicants for Attorney I-III within our General Adult and Mental Health divisions with (1) a demonstrated commitment to client-centered defense, (2) meaningful experience serving our client population, and (3) the desire and ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary client team. Attorney I-III is a key member of the PDO team responsible for providing zealous representation and advocacy to indigent people in Travis County.

If you would like to be considered for the Mental Health Division Attorney II-III, please expressly indicate that in your application. PLEASE NOTE:
Mental Health Division Attorney II-III applicants must have a minimum of 18 months of licensed attorney work experience. Applications must include any experience working with or representing individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness and/or an intellectual/developmental disability.
* Positions may be filled before the closing date. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Attorney I This is the first in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification handles cases and matters that are the least complex and may result in the least serious consequences without supervision.

Attorney II This is the second in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification handles cases and matters that are the least complex and may result in the least serious consequences without supervision.

Attorney III This is the third in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification handles cases and matters that are the least complex and may result in the least serious consequences without supervision and handles cases and matters that are moderately complex and may result in moderately severe consequences with supervision.

• Provides client-centered criminal defense representation to indigent clients.
• Works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic representation.
• Performs legal research. Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to the case or issue under consideration.
• Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, contracts, and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
• Oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs, and warrants.
• Prepares cases for trial. Collects, organizes, and prepares evidence, information, and other legal materials.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Attorney I: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school or eligible to complete J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school no later than Summer 2027.

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 licensed attorney work experience.

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Will consider delayed start dates for highly qualified candidates who will take the Texas Bar by July 2027 (offer contingent on successful admission).

PLEASE NOTE:

May consider a deferred start date for highly qualified candidates immediately eligible to waive into the Texas Bar using the Admission without Examination (AWOX) process or Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) transfer process (offer contingent on successful admission).

Please attach your resume to your application. Cover letters are encouraged.

• A cover letter detailing interest in the position, including why you want to work for the Travis County Public Defender’s Office.
• Recent legal writing sample.
• Hearing and trial experience consistent with years of practice.
• Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish.
• Mission-aligned experience…