Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division Felony

About the Harris County Public Defenders Office:

The Harris County Public Defenders Office (HCPDO) is committed to providing client-centered high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy collaboration and compassionate representation.

Position Description:
The Harris County Public Defenders Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Felony Section of the Mental Health Division. Attorneys in the Felony Section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or co-occurring conditions who are charged with felony offenses in the Harris County Criminal District Courts.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes investigators social workers mitigation specialists client advocates and support staff attorneys provide holistic client-centered representation that addresses both the legal and underlying needs of their clients. The ideal candidate will have personal or professional experience working with individuals with mental illness or IDD; however such experience is preferred not required.

• Provides zealous client-centered representation in the Harris County Criminal District Courts. 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 investigators social workers mitigation specialist support staff and other members of the defense team to prepare case files gather evidence and develop effective defense strategies.
• Develops a working knowledge of civil and criminal statutes related to mental health competency and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Maintains regular communication with clients and when appropriate their family members or support systems including frequent visits to the Harris County Jail to ensure clients are informed and supported throughout the representation.
• Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge through disposition including examining witnesses presenting legal arguments and evidence conducting pre-trial conferences hearings plea negotiations and trials.
• Fosters a respectful collaborative and team-oriented environment with clients colleagues court personnel and community partners.
• Participates in office training programs continuing legal education and other professional development opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Harris County Public Defenders Office.

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

• A minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience is required.

Licensure:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

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

• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational analytical and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage an active caseload while meeting court deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to providing client-centered representation and serving indigent clients.

• Personal or professional experience working with individuals living with mental illness intellectual and developmental disabilities or co-occurring disorders.
• Experience handling felony criminal cases.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams or community service providers.
• Bilingual proficiency particularly in Spanish is a plus.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Weekend hours as needed.

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