Felony Qualified Public Defender

Responsibilities

• Provide zealous and holistic defense for indigent persons accused of criminal charges ranging from serious level felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases
• Review case facts, examine videos and physical case evidence for legal sufficiency
• Prepare, draft, and review motions and other legal documents that conform to current statutes, legislation, and case law
• Confer with prosecutors, law enforcement, and witnesses regarding any necessary case investigation and trial preparation
• Litigate appointed cases from intake to final resolution, including pretrial, trial, appeals, and additional motion practice, as needed
• Manage confidential legal information and documents
• Participate in the agency, division, and program meetings and training
• Maintain case files and documentation in accordance with agency and division policies
• Follow current trends and innovations in indigent defense
• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy
• Collaborate with colleagues in their team, program, and division to contribute to a supportive work environment

• Must be licensed to practice law in Texas, able to waive into the Texas bar, or willing to take the next available bar exam
• Students in their final year of law school or new grads are welcome to apply before they take the bar exam or while they are waiting for results
• Proficiency in Office 365, legal research software, and other case management systems
• Preferred applicants will demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense and criminal justice reform; have worked or interned in a public defender office; have strong academic credentials; are solution-oriented and creative; are able to work efficiently independently and in a team environment; can assess and prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively in high-stress situations