Public Defender Attorney

* Salary dependent on qualifications and experience*

Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Must have and maintain a license to practice law in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. One (1) year of experience practicing law required.

Experience obtained under the third-year bar card, or work as a licensed attorney in the Public Defender’s Office on a Pro Bono basis, can be counted for experience. Maximum Pro Bono experience is one year. Qualifications include: completion of a law degree at an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school; current licensing as an attorney to practice law in the State of Texas, and have either attained this experience through the law school’s criminal clinic program, or internship with a district, county, or public defender offices while holding an active Third Year Student Bar Card.

Along with the job application at interview the applicant will be required to present an official law school transcript and a notarized affidavit from the employer(s) where the internship was performed indicating the number of actual hours worked.

Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of Kaufman County.

Kaufman County, Texas, was founded in 1848. Located adjacent to Dallas County on the east, Kaufman County is home to more than 145,000 people, 16 cities, four independent school districts, two colleges, and thousands of thriving businesses. Kaufman County has recently been named by the US Census Bureau as the fastest-growing county over 100,000 in the nation.

The Attorney/Trial Attorney under close supervision and depending on area of assignment provides general counsel for various County Offices and staff; prosecutes criminal, civil, and family law cases; represents, defends, and advocates for clients accused of a crime; reviews family case law for legal sufficiency and litigates family law enforcement cases. May include appellate work in any or all these areas.

This is the first in a series of three non-supervisory attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family.

(The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive.)

• Performs legal research and keeps abreast of changes in the law.
• Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to case or issue under consideration.
• Examines video, file, and physical case evidence.
• Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, contracts, notices, and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
• Takes depositions and responds to discovery requests.
• Responds to phone calls from the public; provides general information.
• Oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs, warrants, contracts, official policies, and other related documents.
• Represents the department at docket calls.
• Prepares cases for trial.
• Collects, organizes, and prepares evidence, information, and other legal materials.
• Attends and participates in meetings, training, and information sessions.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.
• Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrating commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts.
• Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

• May include appellate work in any or all these areas.
• Establishes and maintains close contact with defendants by regular visits to the Correctional facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact, or by letters to defendants not in custody.
• Prepares litigation on family law cases covers this potential area of practice more inclusively.
• Represents all indigent persons charged with crimes in…