2027 Pre-commit (February & July 2027 Bar Takers)

Harris County District Attorney's Office•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

HCDAO wants to give select recent law-school graduates, awaiting their Texas Bar results an opportunity to join our office, specifically in the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, and become familiar with the day to day as an HCDAO ADA. Candidates are afforded a highly dedicated support staff to help them along the way. The Office also frequently hires 2L and 3L law students serving in voluntary internships, and 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students serving in voluntary internships. The Harris County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to making our community safer through the pursuit of truth and justice. Our role as prosecutors is not to convict, but to ensure that justice is done. We are committed to protecting the public, serving with integrity and dedication to the truth, being a voice for survivors, while upholding the rights of the accused. We believe in a criminal justice system that is both compassionate and efficient, where public safety and fairness are not mutually exclusive. Our office strives to lead with transparency, empathy, and accountability, creating a justice system that works for everyone in Harris County. Together, we will rebuild trust, reduce backlogs, and ensure that every individual receives the justice they deserve. Every year, HCDAO accepts applications for our Pre-commit program. HCDAO Pre-commits are treated as Misdemeanor 3 attorneys while they await their bar results. They will conduct victim and witness interviews; conduct formal plea procedures; do trial preparation; research and writing; and conduct jury selection and jury trials. Post Bar fellows routinely go to court to conduct court dockets, hearings, and trials. Pre-commits may also be required to complete additional assignments, specific projects, or observations as prescribed by their Chief. Typically first assigned to the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, where cases of all types are handled from preliminary hearings to jury trials. The progression from the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau into other units is based on the needs of the office and demonstrated ability and work ethic. After an initial period in the Misdemeanor Division, Assistant District Attorneys move on to the Felony Trial Bureau where they handle a range of felony cases, including serious crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder. Assistant District Attorneys may also have the opportunity to work in specialty divisions such as Crimes Against Children, Financial Crimes, Trafficking, and Mental Health. Assistant District Attorney represents the State of Texas in criminal proceedings in the Harris County Criminal District Courts and County Criminal Courts at Law.

Requirements

Recent law school graduates prepping for the February 2027 or July 2027 Texas State Bar Exam
Excellent academic record

Nice To Haves

Trial experience
Mock trial experience
Moot court experience

Responsibilities

Conduct victim and witness interviews
Conduct formal plea procedures
Do trial preparation
Research and writing
Conduct jury selection and jury trials
Conduct court dockets, hearings, and trials
Complete additional assignments, specific projects, or observations as prescribed by their Chief
Prepare case files, evidence, documents for court proceedings
Analyze assigned cases and prepare the cases for trial
Interact with victims, police, and witnesses to make critical decisions to support court proceedings
Prepare motions
Present cases, cross examine witnesses, and make arguments in the court
Perform administrative tasks in connection with other assigned duties