Public Defender II - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant - 2

Brazos County•Bryan, TX

35d•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 to handle the felony case load. Additional responsibilities to assist in misdemeanor caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed. Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender’s Office. Essential duties include obtaining and reviewing discovery and documents from the prosecution, researching and investigating issues and cases, meeting with clients, returning client communications, preparing and filing pleadings, maintaining written correspondence, prioritizing workload, staying current on legal updates, meeting with investigators, screening cases for conflicts, assisting in training less experienced attorneys, preparing cases for court and conducting trials, providing narrative entries in client files, negotiating with prosecutors, advising clients on plea offers and constitutional rights, selecting juries, examining and cross-examining witnesses, drafting jury instructions, arguing cases to the jury, and advising non-citizen clients of immigration consequences. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
Valid driver’s license
Five or more years of experience involving criminal representation in state courts
Ten or more felony criminal jury trials taken to a verdict as first chair
Advanced computer, research and writing skills including trial advocacy, legal research, and library skills.
Verbal and written communication and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials; skilled in problem solving and decision-making.
High degree of case evaluation and advocacy skills.
Knowledge of trial procedures and rules of evidence.
Advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to area of assignment; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense.

Nice To Haves

Board certification in Criminal Law

Responsibilities

Provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender’s Office.
Obtain and review discovery and documents provided by the prosecution.
Research and investigate issues and cases.
Meet with clients as necessary.
Return all telephone calls and other communication from or on behalf of clients.
Prepare and file pleadings for trial.
Maintain written correspondence with clients during pretrial, trial, and post-trial process.
Prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.
Maintain awareness of new court decisions, laws, rules, and regulations.
Meet with investigator(s) to monitor the progress of investigations.
Screen cases for potential conflicts.
Assist in the training of new and less experienced attorneys.
Prepare cases for court and conduct trials as assigned.
Provide narrative and descriptive entries in client files of opinions, impressions and facts collected.
Negotiate with prosecutors and others involved in the court process.
Advise clients on plea offers, options and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.
Advise clients of constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the potential direct and collateral consequences of a guilty plea.
Select juries, examine, and cross examine witnesses, draft and argue jury instructions and argue cases to the jury.
Advise non-citizen clients of the specific immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
Attend conferences and stay current on legal updates.