Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship – Fall 2027

Harris County • Houston, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is seeking graduating third-year law students (3Ls), recent law school graduates, and newly licensed Texas attorneys for the Fall 2027 Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship. This fellowship is a structured training program designed to prepare new attorneys for the practice of indigent criminal defense. Fellows will engage in classroom instruction, courtroom observation, supervised advocacy, mentorship, and hands-on case experience, working under experienced public defenders to develop essential knowledge, judgment, and advocacy skills. The program serves as HCPDO's primary hiring pathway for entry-level Assistant Public Defenders, with the intention that successful fellows who obtain Texas licensure and perform satisfactorily will transition into full-time Assistant Public Defender positions, contingent on office hiring needs.

Requirements

• Resume
• Cover Letter addressing: Why you want to become a public defender, Educational, professional, volunteer, or lived experiences that have prepared you for this work, Any additional information you would like the hiring committee to consider.
• Law school transcript (unofficial accepted)
• Contact information for at least two (2) professional references
• Be a third-year law student (3L) enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school and expected to graduate before the anticipated fellowship start date OR Be a recent law school graduate; OR Be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas by the fellowship start date.
• Applicants must either: Be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas by the fellowship start date; or Have taken the Texas Bar Examination immediately preceding the fellowship start date and be awaiting results.
• Applicants who intend to obtain Texas licensure through UBE score transfer, admission on motion, or another admission pathway after the fellowship begins are not eligible for this fellowship.

Nice To Haves

• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to public defense, indigent criminal defense, client-centered representation, or public service.
• Ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and successfully complete the Post-Bar Fellowship Training Program, including classroom instruction, skills-based training, courtroom observation, and supervised advocacy.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings.
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, discovery review, witness preparation, and defense strategy.
• Participate in client interviews, jail visits, and client counseling.
• Assist in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and reviewing evidence.
• Participate in court proceedings, including hearings, plea negotiations, and trials, as permitted under applicable law and supervision.
• Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, social workers, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and all office policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• retirement
• paid leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level