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NEOGOV · 4 months ago

Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division – Competency Restoration Docket

Houston, TX

Full-time

Hybrid

New Grad, Entry Level

Harris County's Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender for the Mental Health Division, specifically for the competency restoration docket. The role involves providing client-centered legal representation for individuals with mental health issues, conducting legal research, preparing cases for hearings, and collaborating with support staff.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

No H1B

Responsibilities

Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the felony-level competency restoration docket while maintaining the highest level of professionalism

Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda and other pleadings in assigned cases

Collaborates with support staff and investigators to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop a strong strategy that reflects the client’s desires and incorporates the client’s mental health and medical needs

Develops expertise in civil and criminal statutes related to mental health and intellectual disability and litigates civil commitment hearings as required in the criminal court

Maintains regular communication with clients, witnesses and opposing counsel, including frequent jail visits, state hospital visits, and other facility visits where clients may be held

Prepares cases for commitment hearings, competency trials and criminal trials and litigates cases from a finding of incompetence to ultimate disposition of the charges. Examines witnesses, engages and interviews experts, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings and plea negotiations

Fosters a respectful, team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, and court personnel, and supports co-workers as needed

Participates in training and professional development opportunities both within and outside the office

Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of the office

Qualification

Juris DoctorateTexas State Bar membershipLegal researchClient-centered representationCaseload managementCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsTime management

Required

Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law

Current license to practice law in the State of Texas

Member of and in good standing with the Texas State Bar

A valid driver's license is required. (Must obtain a Texas driver's license before date of hire)

Good written and oral communication skills

Effective organizational and time management skills

Ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned by the court

Preferred

Some personal or professional experience interacting with individuals with a documented history of mental illness or intellectual/developmental disorder