Staff Public Defender

Texas Rio Grande Public Defender•Eagle Pass, TX

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

Texas RioGrande Public Defender is hiring staff attorney defenders for its brand-new public defender office in Eagle Pass, Texas. This opportunity is high-impact—the jurisdictions were recently exposed by the New York Times for failing to provide counsel altogether, and the area is a flashpoint for immigration. We are looking for a dedicated, mission-driven, and smart advocate to join the fight on the frontlines of some of the most important conflicts of our times, due process and immigration. TRGPD attorneys are frontline advocates who have engaged in the movement to transform the criminal justice system and challenge the injustices faced by indigent defendants in rural south Texas for over a decade. TRGPD provides complete, vertical representation from intake to resolution. Except for cases involving a conflict of interest or the death penalty, TRGPD represents persons accused of crimes from initial arrest to final appeal. TRGPD delivers client-centered services to address unique needs and limited resources available to clients residing in rural and border communities. Special initiatives within the program include advice on the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction, mental health advocacy, assistance with applying for government aid and/or housing, and assistance with substance abuse as alternative solutions to incarceration. With caseload controls, staff investigators, mental health and substance abuse caseworkers, and a litigation budget, TRGPD is deeply committed to zealous, high-quality representation in rural South Texas. We offer the advantage of having robust staff support with a 1-1 attorney-to-support staff ratio, and the flexibility and willingness to support employee growth.

Requirements

Must be committed to advocating for their client.
Must be licensed to practice law in Texas or able to waive into the Texas bar.
Proficiency in Office 365, legal research software, and other case management systems.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense and criminal justice reform
Have worked or interned in a public defender office
Are solution-oriented and creative
Are able to work efficiently independently and in a team environment
Can assess and prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively in high-stress situations
Want to live and work in communities where TRPD clients have the greatest needs
Aspire to become leaders both within the division and in the larger public defender community
Willing to live in or near Eagle Pass, TX
At least 2-years experience in criminal defense

Responsibilities

Provide zealous defense for indigent persons accused of criminal charges ranging from serious level felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases;
Review case facts, examine videos and physical case evidence for legal sufficiency,
Prepare, draft, and review motions and other legal documents that conform to current statutes, legislation, and case law;
Confer with prosecutors, law enforcement, and witnesses regarding any necessary case investigation and trial preparation;
Litigate appointed cases from intake to final resolution, including pretrial, trial, appeals, and additional motion practice, as needed;
Manage confidential legal information and documents;
Participate in the agency, division, and program meetings and training;
Maintain case files and documentation in accordance with agency and division policies;
Follow current trends and innovations in indigent defense;
Provide client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy; and
Collaborate with colleagues in their team, program, and division to contribute to a supportive work environment.