Felony Qualified Public Defender

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERENCES:

Must be licensed to practice law in Texas, able to waive into the Texas bar, or willing to take the next available bar exam. Students in their final year of law school or new grads are welcome to apply before they take the bar exam or while they are waiting for results.

Proficiency in Office 365, legal research software, and other case management systems.

Preferred applicants will demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense and criminal justice reform; have worked or interned in a public defender office; have strong academic credentials; are solution-oriented and creative; are able to work efficiently independently and in a team environment; can assess and prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively in high-stress situations; and want to live and work in communities where TRPD clients have the greatest needs.

TRGPD is also looking for attorneys who aspire to become leaders both within the division and in the larger public defender community.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide zealous and holistic defense for indigent persons accused of criminal charges ranging from serious level felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases;

Review case facts, examine videos and physical case evidence for legal sufficiency,

Prepare, draft, and review motions and other legal documents that conform to current statutes, legislation, and case law;

Confer with prosecutors, law enforcement, and witnesses regarding any necessary case investigation and trial preparation;

Litigate appointed cases from intake to final resolution, including pretrial, trial, appeals, and additional motion practice, as needed;

Manage confidential legal information and documents;

Participate in the agency, division, and program meetings and training;

Maintain case files and documentation in accordance with agency and division policies;

Follow current trends and innovations in indigent defense;

Provide client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy; and

Collaborate with colleagues in their team, program, and division to contribute to a supportive work environment.

Preference for candidates willing to live in or near Goliad, TX and with at least 2-years experience in criminal defense. This position will handle cases in both Refugio County and Goliad County in District and County Court, and may occasionally cover cases in Bee, Live Oak and McMullen counties.

TRGPD is committed to offering fair and equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.