The Hill Country Regional Public Defender Office (HCRPDO) is seeking Felony and Misdemeanor Public Defenders, to be located in the Kerrville or Hondo Office. The HCRPDO represents persons who are not financially able to hire legal counsel in Kerr, Gillespie, Kendall, Bandera and Medina Counties primarily for those facing felony, misdemeanor and juvenile charges. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis Compensation includes an annual salary ranging from $56,000 to $66,000 for Misdemeanor Attorneys and $85,000 to $100,000 for Felony Attorneys, depending upon experience, plus benefits of employment with Kerr or Medina Counties including health care and retirement.
This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, juvenile and misdemeanor courts. Additional responsibilities to assist in mental health dockets, misdemeanor cases, juvenile cases, trial preparation and trials, and appeals as directed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1) Ability to review new cases assigned to the HCRPDO.
2) Ability to prepare cases for representation in court.
3) Ability to meet with defendants and effectively explain legal issues.
4) Ability to routinely make jail visits for defendants incarcerated
5) Negotiates plea arrangements with counsel for the state.
6) Prepares, files and represents clients in pretrial motions and hearings.
7) Consults with clients regarding legal process and preparation for trial when necessary.
8) Prepares cases and witnesses for trial.
9) Represents the client in bench and jury trials.
10) Prepare and file appellate briefs and appears in appellate courts when necessary.
11) Performs all other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1) Graduate of an ABA accredited law school.
2) No less than one year of experience in state courts, clerkship or employment in a law related office, having worked in a Law School practicum clinic or having participated in Inter-Law School mock trial competitions.
3) Current active membership in the State Bar of Texas, in good standing or eligible for a third year Texas Bar Card and scheduled to take the next available Texas Bar Exam within 6 months of date of hire.
4) Valid Texas driver’s license and reliable motor vehicle.
5) Must possess the skill and ability to manage a demanding and diverse caseload assigned from the Chief Public Defender
Contact: John Bull, Chief Public Defender
[email protected]
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
