Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Division
About The Position
The Harris County Public Defender’s Office (HCPDO) is committed to providing client-centered, high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy and collaboration. The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join the Appellate Division. This position represents indigent clients throughout the post-conviction appellate process, including motions for new trial, direct appeals, and petitions for discretionary review. The ideal candidate is a strong legal writer, skilled researcher, and committed to providing exceptional representation through thoughtful legal analysis and effective written advocacy.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
- Commitment to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or eligible for admission to the Texas Bar.
Nice To Haves
- Experience handling criminal appeals, motions for new trial, or petitions for discretionary review.
- Judicial clerkship experience, particularly with an appellate court.
- Experience in criminal defense or indigent defense.
- Spanish language proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients during the direct appeal, and discretionary review stages of criminal proceedings.
- Review trial records, transcripts, and applicable law to identify and preserve appellate issues.
- Conduct legal research and prepare appellate briefs, motions, petitions, and other legal filings.
- Maintain regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members regarding the status of their cases and the appellate process.
- Collaborate with trial attorneys and other members of the office as appropriate.
- Accurately document case activity and maintain records in the case management system.
- Stay current on changes in Texas and federal criminal law and appellate practice.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
