Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Misdemeanor
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, collaboration, and compassionate representation. The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Misdemeanor Section of the Mental Health Division. Attorneys in the Misdemeanor Section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), or co-occurring conditions who are charged with offenses in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, client advocates, and support staff, attorneys provide holistic, client-centered representation that addresses both the legal and underlying needs of their clients.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
- Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management abilities.
- Ability to manage an active caseload while meeting court deadlines.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to providing client-centered representation and serving indigent clients.
Nice To Haves
- Personal or professional experience working with individuals living with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or co-occurring disorders.
- Experience handling felony criminal cases.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams or community service providers.
- Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law 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 investigators, social workers, mitigation specialist, support staff, and other members of the defense team to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop effective defense strategies.
- Develops a working knowledge of civil and criminal statutes related to mental health, competency, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Maintains regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members or support systems, including frequent visits to the Harris County Jail, to ensure clients are informed and supported throughout the representation.
- Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge through disposition, including examining witnesses, presenting legal arguments and evidence, conducting pre-trial conferences, hearings, plea negotiations, and trials.
- Fosters a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, court personnel, and community partners.
- Participates in office training programs, continuing legal education, and other professional development opportunities.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Harris County Public Defender's Office.
Benefits
- Depends on Qualifications Based on 26 Pay Periods Plus, benefits
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
