Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division – Competency Restoration Docket

Position Description:

The Harris County Public Defenders Office (PDO) has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the felony section of the Mental Health Division. The PDO provides holistic client-centered representation to individuals charged with offenses in Harris County. Attorneys in the felony section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness or intellectual/developmental disorder or the competency restoration docket attorneys represent clients who have been found incompetent to stand trial or who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The ideal candidate will have some personal or professional experience interacting with this population although it is not required. Candidates must have a passion for representing the most vulnerable clients in the criminal justice system and a willingness to litigate cases through competency restoration to state hospital admission to an ultimate resolution of the criminal charges. A significant focus on mitigation and holistic defense is also required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides zealous client-centered representation in the felony-level competency restoration docket while maintaining the highest level of professionalism

• Conducts legal research analyzes and interprets legal issues and drafts motions memoranda and other pleadings in assigned cases

• Collaborates with support staff and investigators to prepare case files gather evidence and develop a strong strategy that reflects the clients desires and incorporates the clients mental health and medical needs

• Develops expertise in civil and criminal statutes related to mental health and intellectual disability and litigates civil commitment hearings as required in the criminal court

• Maintains regular communication with clients witnesses and opposing counsel including frequent jail visits state hospital visits and other facility visits where clients may be held

• Prepares cases for commitment hearings competency trials and criminal trials and litigates cases from a finding of incompetence to ultimate disposition of the charges. Examines witnesses engages and interviews experts presents legal arguments and evidence conducts pre-trial conferences hearings and plea negotiations

• Fosters a respectful team-oriented environment with clients colleagues and court personnel and supports co-workers as needed

• Participates in training and professional development opportunities both within and outside the office

• Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of the office
  
  

Education:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law.

Licensure:

• Current license to practice law in the State of Texas.

• Member of and in good standing with the Texas State Bar.
  

• A valid drivers license is required. (Must obtain a Texas drivers license before date of hire)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned by the court.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time

• Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm

  • Subject to Evenings Weekends and Holidays as needed.

  • Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
  • Plus benefits