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Harris County · 18 hours ago

Assistant Public Defender, Trial Division

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

Harris County Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender for the Trial Division. The role involves representing clients in felony or misdemeanor cases, conducting legal research, and preparing legal documents while ensuring zealous representation.

Government Administration

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

Qualification

Juris DoctorateTexas State Bar LicenseLegal ResearchTrial ExperienceCaseload ManagementBilingual (English/Spanish)Written CommunicationOral CommunicationOrganizational SkillsTime Management