Executive Director, Managed Assigned Counsel
Executive Director, Managed Assigned Counsel
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
Position Description
Purpose:
The Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel supports attorneys in treating clients with dignity and respect through high-quality and holistic representation to persons accused of a crime who are unable to afford an attorney.The Director shall:
Lead administer and direct the Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel.
Ensure high-quality client-centered legal representation for indigent defendants initially in misdemeanor matters with a strategic focus on expanding services to include felony and juvenile cases.
Monitor mentor and supervise private attorneys handling indigent appointments in Harris County Texas.
Ensure effective stakeholder engagement policy compliance innovation and operational excellence.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the Managed Assigned Counsel Program.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Managed Assigned Counsel Program including legal administrative fiscal and strategic functions.
Oversee the program in accordance with the Alternative Plan for the Appointment of Counsel to Indigent Defendants adopted by the Harris County Criminal Court at Law Judges.
Ensure compliance with appointment procedures as set forth by law and the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law Alternative Plan.
Provide oversight of the more than 200 participating defense attorneys including monitoring professional conduct evaluating performance managing workloads and addressing other relevant issues impacting effective representation.
Ensure the office promptly responds to inquiries and complaints about assigned counsel; investigate complaints when warranted and refer to the appropriate channels as necessary.
Supervise Managed Assigned Counsel Program staff of at least 20 people.
Manage administrative functions of the office including budgeting human resources purchasing and resource planning.
Policy Development and Management:
Responsible for developing revising and enforcing the policies and procedures of the Managed Assigned Counsel Program in accordance with best practices.
Develop policies and procedures relating to the administration of indigent defense in conjunction with the Advisory Board.
Prepare and update a written plan of operation as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 26.047(c).
Develop and implement processes for assigned attorney evaluation approval removal and renewal on appointment lists.
Meet with the Advisory Board or a committee established by the Advisory Board as warranted to address the performance of assigned counsel.
Implement and oversee robust training and mentorship programs for assigned counsel including Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs.
Research and review legislative updates and legal opinions adapting existing policies and procedures to address legislative changes.
Fiscal and Administrative Responsibilities:
Develop monitor and report on the budget of the Managed Assigned Counsel Program.
Review and approve vouchers in a timely manner for the payment of assigned counsel investigators and experts.
Prepare and present quarterly operational and monthly financial reports on the expenditures of the indigent defense resources to the Advisory Board.
Statistical and Performance Reporting:
Actively monitor the attorney caseloads and performance of Managed Assigned Counsel to ensure effective and ethical representation
Maintain legal support and other office resources including but not limited to:
Expert database o Witness/officer files o Motion and brief banks o Legal research files o CLE materials.
Performance measures for the Office of Managed Assigned Counsel.
Prepare and present an annual report on the operation of the office to the Harris County Commissioners the County Criminal Courts at Law and other relevant entities detailing office accomplishments metrics challenges and recommendations for growth.
Leadership and Strategic Responsibilities:
Provide legal and ethical guidance to assigned counsel and promote the integrity of the attorney-client relationship.
Work closely with the Advisory Board in support of the MACs mission.
Serve as the liaison between the Managed Assigned Counsel Program the judiciary Harris County Commissioners Court budget officers and other stakeholders.
Represent the MAC office on relevant committees at public events and in meetings with community and governmental stakeholders.
Maintain collaborative and professional relationships with all components of the criminal justice system including law enforcement prosecution courts and indigent defense organizations.
Lead efforts to expand the Office of Managed Assigned Counsels jurisdiction to include felony and juvenile indigent defense representation in coordination with the Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils Indigent Defense Subcommittee and Commissioners Court.
Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement:
Promote innovation in indigent defense delivery including the use of technology case management improvements and holistic defense models.
Regularly engage with stakeholders including the judiciary elected officials commissioners public defenders and advocacy groups to assess needs identify gaps and improve service delivery.
Lead the strategic planning process to grow the offices impact and scope while remaining adaptable to legislative and community changes.
Stay informed on national and state trends in indigent defense and apply best practices to improve the Managed Assigned Counsel Program.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.Requirements
Required Supporting Documents:
Cover letter
Resume
Education and Experience:
- A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
Must have at least ten (10) years of experience as a criminal trial attorney including state misdemeanor felony and/or federal cases.
At least two (2) years managerial experience in a legal setting.
Must have accepted and handled court-appointed criminal cases.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Experience representing clients in criminal cases including trials and motions practice.
Managerial budget and administrative experience. (can include running own practice)
Knowledge and understanding of non-attorney resources including investigations forensics social work immigration and other holistic supports.
Ability to navigate stakeholder relationships and developing cross-agency collaborations and system-level partnerships to improve service delivery and outcomes.
Committed to client-centered holistic defense representation and equitable access to justice.
NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience handling indigent defense in a public defender or managed assigned counsel office preferred.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Regular Full-time
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Salary:
Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 pay periods
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
