Chief Public Defender – Maverick OLS

*Applicants must be willing to live in or near Eagle Pass, TX. TRGPD offers incentives to live in or near Eagle Pass, TX, including a sign-on bonus, moving expenses up to $2,500 and a $25,000 salary increase.* QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERENCES: TRGPD is looking for attorneys who aspire to become leaders both within the division and in the larger public defender community. Must be licensed to practice law in Texas, able to waive into the Texas bar, or willing to take the next available bar exam. At least five (5) years criminal litigation experience; At least three (3) felony jury trials as lead counsel or equivalent experience; Demonstrated management and leadership skills; Proficiency in Office 365, legal research software, and other case management systems. Professional fluency in Spanish (highly preferred); 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 TRGPD clients have the greatest needs; Must reside in/near Eagle Pass, TX. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise and direct the work of all staff assigned to the Maverick Regional Public Defender office; Report to the TRGPD Director of Operations; Manage attorney teams on their cases from intake to final resolution, including pretrial, trial, appeals, and additional motion practice, as needed; Identify systemic issues within their service area and assist the Executive Management Team in developing creative solutions and ways to engage the community stakeholders; Mentor and train staff attorneys office-wide, by conducting file reviews, developing trainings, attending court hearings with their attorneys, and serving as lead counsel or co-counsel on trials with new lawyers, as needed; Maintain a supportive and positive work environment for their team; and Contribute to the progress and development of TRGPD as a whole. Carry a reduced caseload while providing 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. 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.