Post-Bar Fellowship Fall 2026

Houston - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 28 - 28

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defenders Office

The Harris County Public Defenders Office (HCPDO) established in 2010 is a dynamic public defense office that is becoming one of the largest in the country with over 300 employees including more than 200 attorneys. We are a client-centered holistic public defense office dedicated to fighting for fairness in one of the nations largest and most complex criminal legal systems. Our interdisciplinary teams which include attorneys social workers investigators mitigation specialists and other professionals provide a wrap-around advocacy that addresses both the case and the person.

HCPDOs work goes beyond individual representation. We are committed to systemic change and community empowerment advancing justice through participatory defense immigration advisal and support for the private bar.

Our core values: client-centered representation professionalism in advocacy teamwork collaboration community empowerment and systemic change; guide everything we do.

What We Offer

Working at HCPDO means joining a collaborative mission-driven community of advocates who believe in excellence and support one another at every step.
Extensive Training & Development Frequent in-house training and CLEs case reviews brainstorming sessions and trial skills workshops (including voir dire and advocacy practice). Attorneys are also supported in attending statewide CLEs and training.
Mentorship & Built-In Support Our culture is deeply collaborative: no attorney goes to trial alone. Every trial has a required second chair ensuring built-in guidance and teamwork.
Courtroom Experience Attorneys gain meaningful courtroom exposure early in their careers while benefiting from mentoring and structured training.
Work-Life Balance Caseloads are capped ensuring sustainability and allowing attorneys to provide high-level representation.
Holistic Client-Centered Advocacy Attorneys work alongside investigators social workers mitigation specialists and other professionals to provide comprehensive representation.
Comprehensive Benefits As Harris County employees attorneys receive full benefits including health dental vision retirement and paid leave.

Position Overview

The HCPDO seeks third-year law students (3Ls) graduating in Spring 2026 as well as recent law school graduates to join our team as Post-Bar Fellows. Applicants must have either completed the Texas Bar Exam or be registered to take it and awaiting results when the fellowship begins. This fellowship offers a unique and immersive opportunity to gain hands-on experience in indigent criminal defense. Fellows begin with HCPDOs 10-week Fellowship Training Bootcamp a program that combines onboarding substantive training courtroom shadowing and supervised client advocacy. Through this intensive experience fellows work alongside experienced public defenders and play an active role in all stages of representation from case investigation and legal research to client advocacy and trial preparation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct legal research and draft memoranda motions and other pleadings under attorney supervision.
Assist attorneys in reviewing discovery investigating cases and formulating defense strategies.
Participate in client interviews jail visits and witness preparation.
Organize case files and assist in trial preparation including reviewing evidence and preparing exhibits.
Observe and participate in court proceedings including pre-trial hearings motions and plea negotiations.
Collaborate with attorneys investigators and social workers to ensure holistic representation of clients.
Uphold the mission and values of the HCPDO by ensuring zealous advocacy and ethical representation.

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:

Resume
Cover Letter
- Must explain why you want to do this work
- Applications without a cover letter will not be considered
- Include lived educational or professional experiences that have prepared you for the role
- Add any other information for the hiring committee to consider.
Law school transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable).
Contact information for at least two professional references.

Education and Experience:

J.D. from an accredited law school by the fellowship start date.
Eligible applicants include recent graduates individuals finishing judicial clerkships or fellowships who plan to transition into public defense and those eager to start a career in public defense immediately after graduation.
Applicants must be:
- 3L student or recent law school graduate preparing to take the July 2026 Texas Bar Exam OR
- A recent law school graduate who is already licensed in Texas

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

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities:

Strong research analytical and written communication skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Demonstrated commitment to public service indigent criminal defense and social justice.

General Information

Deadlines & Review

Early Decision Deadline: November 30
Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Seasonal Full-time
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Desired Start Date:

8/17/2026 Approximately 3 months beginning after completion of the Texas Bar Exam.
This fellowship is intended to lead directly to employment with HCPDO (subject to performance and office needs).

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For questions or concerns regarding the application please contact:

Position DescriptionAbout the Harris County Public Defenders OfficeThe Harris County Public Defenders Office (HCPDO) established in 2010 is a dynamic public defense office that is becoming one of the largest in the country with over 300 employees including more than 200 attorneys. We are a client-ce...