Public Defender I - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant - 2

Brazos County•Bryan, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony and misdemeanor cases. Primary responsibility is to handle the misdemeanor case load and potentially felony-level controlled substance cases. Additional responsibilities include assisting in felony caseload, trial preparation, and trials, as directed.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.
Law school graduates awaiting bar examination results will be considered but must have a supervised practice card, i.e., 3L bar card.
Applicants applying out of law school should be able to demonstrate an interest in criminal law, community service, and/or providing legal services to the poor.
Applicants should highlight criminal law courses, practice clinics, mock trial, and moot court experience.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or immediately eligible to obtain licensure through the Texas Board of Law Examiners Admission Without Examination (AWOX) process.
Law school applicants should be prepared to obtain a 3L bar card. Continued employment will be contingent on bar passage.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

2 or more years of experience involving criminal representation in state courts.
First chair trial experience in at least one criminal jury trial taken to a verdict.

Responsibilities

Provide legal representation to clients who are unable to afford private attorneys, handling a caseload of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and possibly some lower-level felonies.
Conduct client interviews, review evidence, research legal issues, develop defense strategies, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent clients in court proceedings, such as arraignments, hearings, and trials.
Manage caseload effectively, ensuring it does not exceed the Texas Indigent Defense Commission’s Guidelines for Indigent Defense Caseloads.
Organize case files, track court dates and deadlines, and ensure necessary documentation and evidence are obtained and properly filed.
Work closely with case workers, investigators, and support staff to gather information, coordinate investigations, and prepare for court appearances.
Establish and maintain regular communication with clients through in-person meetings in jail, in the office, and sometimes at other locations.
Explain legal processes, advise clients on their rights and options, and help manage expectations.
Provide counseling to clients, address their concerns, and make referrals to address any emotional or psychological needs related to their legal situation.
Conduct legal research to stay informed about relevant law, regulations, and legal precedents, analyzing cases, statutes, and legal opinions to develop effective defense strategies.
Draft legal motions, memoranda, and briefs to present arguments and advocate for clients' rights and interests.
Represent clients in court proceedings and advocate for their best interests, handling various court appearances including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, motions hearings, and trials.
Present evidence, examine witnesses, cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, make legal arguments, and deliver persuasive oral arguments to support clients' defense.
Engage in negotiations with prosecutors to reach plea agreements on behalf of clients, assessing the strength of the prosecution's case, evaluating potential defenses, and negotiating for favorable outcomes.
Engage in plea bargaining to obtain reduced charges, lower sentences, or alternative dispositions when appropriate.
Engage in ongoing professional development and education to enhance legal skills and knowledge, attending training programs, workshops, and seminars related to criminal law, trial advocacy, and defense strategies.
Stay updated on changes in laws, legal procedures, and best practices to provide effective representation to clients.
Perform other duties as assigned.