Deputy Public Defender

Minimum Qualifications Candidates should possess:

• Juris Doctor degree;
• Texas bar license or the ability to obtain Texas bar licensure within four months;
• Advanced research, writing, and advocacy skills;
• Advanced knowledge of the rules of evidence, criminal case law, the Texas Penal Code, and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure;
• Leadership, criminal defense litigation, supervision, management, budgeting, and organizational skills;
• Must possess the skill and ability to manage a demanding and diverse caseload; and
• Ability to motivate, train, supervise, develop assistant public defenders and non-attorney team members.

Preferred Qualifications Priority will be given to candidates who meet or exceed the criteria listed below:

• Has been practicing law for 10 or more years;
• Litigated criminal cases for at least 5 years and tried at least 15 or more felony cases to verdict;
• Worked as a criminal defense lawyer or a public defender in state court for 5 or more years;
• Extensive first chair jury trial experience;
• Appellate experience;
• Supervisory, management or team lead experience in criminal or public defense offices or prosecution legal environment;
• Experience in the defense of complex criminal cases such as capital murder, homicide, sexual assault, and/or child pornography; and
• Represented clients as a member of trial teams.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations and Other

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas or ability to waive in.
• Must possess reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Advanced computer, research and writing skills including trial advocacy, legal research and library skills. Verbal and written communication and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees and elected officials; skilled in problem solving and decision-making. Must have high degree of case evaluation and advocacy skills. Knowledge of trial procedures and rules of evidence. Advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to area of assignment; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense. Physical Demands