Opportunities in Public Defense - Future Appointed Counsel Training Program

Thanks to the generosity of the Houston Endowment and in partnership with Gideon’s Promise, the Harris County Public Defender’s Office is now accepting applications for the Future Appointed Counsel Training (FACT) Program.

We are pleased to announce this unique opportunity for new and aspiring criminal defense attorneys with the creation of ten scholarships, each valued at over $20,000, providing recipients with state-of-the-art public defense training at the cutting-edge of criminal justice reform.

Selected through a highly competitive process, FACT Program members (“FACTers”) become part of an exclusive team dedicated to excellence in client-centered representation and local reform. Three years of training and support provide the skills to become outstanding advocates for people accused of crimes in Harris County

FACTers will receive guaranteed enrollment, full tuition, and travel expenses to Gideon's Promise: a nationally-renown teaching institution for public defense, as seen on HBO, TEDTalks, and as a recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant. Scholarship winners will also receive extensive local training and support within the Harris County Criminal Courts.

This is an amazing opportunity. Despite public demand, you can't just pay a fee to attend Gideon's Promise because admittance comes only through a southern public defender's office. Just the fact of gaining entrance to Gideon's Promise is unique; the fact that it comes with travel, food, and lodging - and local support to help set up your career - makes this the chance of a lifetime.