Juvenile Chief Public Defender Juvenile and Appellate Public Defender 1

General Summary:

This position leads and manages the juvenile division of the public defenders office providing oversight and strategic direction to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services to indigent juvenile defendants. The Chief Juvenile Public Defender is responsible for handling a caseload of complex and high-profile juvenile cases supervising junior attorneys and support staff and representing the office in various forums.
Essential Duties:
The essential duties of a juvenile defender in a public defenders office involve providing legal representation and advocacy for juvenile clients throughout the legal process. Here are some key duties:

Leadership and Management: Oversee the operations of the juvenile division including case assignments workflow and performance evaluations. Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of juvenile defense services.
Legal Representation: Provide competent and zealous legal representation to juvenile clients in complex and potentially high-profile cases. Conduct interviews gather information and assess the legal and factual aspects of each case.

Case Assessment: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of cases including examining evidence reviewing police reports and identifying potential legal defenses. Develop appropriate legal strategies tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each juvenile client.

Courtroom Advocacy: Represent clients in court proceedings including detention hearings adjudication hearings disposition hearings and any other relevant court appearances. Present arguments question witnesses introduce evidence and advocate for the best interests of clients.

Collaborative Work: Work closely with other professionals in the juvenile justice system such as probation officers social workers and mental health professionals. Collaborate to develop comprehensive defense strategies that address the unique needs and circumstances of each juvenile client.

Client Counseling and Guidance: Provide guidance and support to clients explaining the legal process potential consequences and available options. Help clients understand their rights and make informed decisions regarding their cases.

Rehabilitation and Treatment Advocacy: Advocate for appropriate rehabilitation and treatment services for clients. Work to secure access to educational programs mental health services substance abuse treatment counseling or other interventions aimed at addressing underlying issues and promoting positive development.

Supervision and Training: Supervise and mentor junior attorneys providing training and guidance to develop their skills and knowledge. Assist in the recruitment hiring and professional development of attorneys within the juvenile division.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision
Received:Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender.
Given:Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys.

Education
Required:Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.
Preferred:

Experience
Required:Five or more years of experience involving representation of juvenile clients in state courts
Preferred:Experience training and mentoring of younger attorneys. Demonstrated leadership and management experience. Experience handling complex and high-profile juvenile cases.

Certificates Licenses Registrations
Required: Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas Valid drivers license
Preferred:Board certification in Juvenile Law

Physical Demands
Typical:Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking sitting use of computer equipment creating and moving paper files operating a copy machine walking to and from court as needed. Some driving may be necessary.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities
Typical: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. Must have 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 juveniles who have been arrested or detained in a criminal matter; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense.

Work Environment
Typical:Brazos County PDO attorneys are expected to use professional courtesy discretion and sound judgment when engaging in contact with co-workers clients prosecutors judges other county employees and members of the pubic. Attorneys are also responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client information and business knowledge.