Assistant Public Defender, Trial Division

The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender-Trial Division. The Assistant Public Defender represents clients of the Public Defender's Office in felony or misdemeanor cases.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Researches, analyzes and interprets issues of law.
Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review.
Reviews drafts of pleadings, motions, and memoranda prepared by legal staff.
Assigns legal personnel in preparation of case files, or to collect data, or evidence for case work.
Participates with other attorneys in the formulation of legal strategies for particular clients.
Renders legal advice to clients with senior attorneys through corresponding, and meets with clients to explain legal strategies, and to obtain client's input and approval.
Makes contact with clients, witnesses, and law enforcement as required, including regular trips to the jails and prisons.
Assists county public defenders in researching legal issues, and in preparing memoranda, pleadings and motions.
Answers inquiries from indigent clients (e.g. answers telephone calls and correspondence; initiates correspondence; reviews and researches claims; initiates legal petitions when appropriate; prepares pleadings and memoranda; appears in court on behalf of indigent clients)
Prepares cases for trial and independently tries cases, examines witnesses, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations, and conducts appeals and other post-convictions matters.
Assures zealous representation.