Special Assistant Public Defender- Lubbock, San Angelo, Dallas, Austin, Pearland, San Antonio

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school. Desire to represent indigent defendants is a necessity. Additional requirements: 1) Be licensed to practice law in Texas or the ability to obtain a Texas license within 9 months of starting date; 2) Exhibit commitment to providing quality representation to indigent defendants and developing the skills and experience to represent capital defendants as a first chair attorney; 3) Extensive courtroom litigation experience, including at least one felony trial to verdict as lead counsel, or comparable civil trial experience preferably in complex litigation, including but not limited to deposition practice, motion practice, working with experts. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Willingness to work and behave in a manner consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the RPDO. Ability to work in a team, as team functioning is fundamental to the RPDO. Substantial knowledge and understanding of the relevant (criminal) state, federal and international law, both procedural and substantive, and a commitment to learn state, federal and international law, both procedural and substantive, governing capital cases. ·         Skill in interviewing a variety of individuals and soliciting needed information to determine facts and circumstances. ·         Skill in developing effective defense strategies, in analyzing cases and applying legal principles, in presenting statements of law clearly and logically in written and verbal form. ·         Skill in presenting an effective defense in court, and in preparing clear, concise, accurate and effective legal arguments as well as preserving the record on appeal and for habeas counsel. ·         Skill in the management and conduct of complex negotiations and litigation. ·         Skill in legal research, analysis, and the drafting of litigation documents. ·         Skill in oral advocacy. ·         Skill in the use of expert witnesses. ·         Skill in the elements of trial advocacy, such as jury selection, cross-examination of witnesses, and opening and closing statements. ·         Skill in managing multiple cases simultaneously. ·         Skill in communicating effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy. Ability to handle stressful cases. Ability to adjust to rapidly fluctuating situations. Ability to operate a personal computer and basic office equipment. Ability to keep accurate notes and records. Ability to prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive reports. Ability to read and understand legal codes, cases and technical material in such disciplines as medicine, physical and social sciences. Ability to learn new disciplines of science and social science related to mental health and the common areas of mitigation for capital clients. Ability to obtain information through interview and conversation. Ability to assess the credibility of witnesses. Ability to gather and analyze facts and evidence and draw valid conclusions. Ability to adjust to workload changes and work under stress to meet deadlines. Ability to organize and prioritize workload to manage cases efficiently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow team members outside organizations, attorneys, and the general public. Ability to comport and comply with RPDO policy, procedures and methods. Demonstrate initiative and the ability to self-start and not wait on direction. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and ask for help from his/her team or others within RPDO. Demonstrate positive office behavior with respect to time, attendance, attitude and ego management conducive to learning and functioning in a team environment. Willingness to cooperate with leadership.