Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division

Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16909

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender's Office:

The Harris County Public Defenders Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients, protect constitutional rights, and promote fairness within the legal system.

Position Overview:

The Felony Division represents individuals charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts. Attorneys handle a wide range of cases, from state jail felonies to serious first-degree felonies. Attorneys work closely with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation. HCPDO maintains caseload limits to support high-quality representation and meaningful client advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent clients charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts.
• Manage a felony caseload subject to office caseload limits designed to support effective, client-centered representation, from appointment through disposition.
• Research, analyze, and interpret legal issues and develop case strategies.
• Conduct legal research and prepare motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal pleadings.
• Review discovery, investigate facts, identify legal and factual defenses, and prepare cases for litigation and trial.
• Meet regularly with clients to explain legal options, discuss case strategy, and provide legal advice.
• Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties, including regular visits to local jails and detention facilities.
• Collaborate with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation.
• Participate in case staffing and strategy discussions with attorneys and other members of the defense team.
• Conduct plea negotiations and advocate for favorable outcomes on behalf of clients.
• Represent clients at hearings, evidentiary proceedings, and jury trials, including examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments.
• Provide zealous, ethical, and client-centered representation at all stages of the criminal legal process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience.

Licensure:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to client-centered representation and indigent defense.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Experience handling felony criminal cases.

• Felony jury trial experience.

• Experience representing indigent clients.

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
• Plus, benefits

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Do you have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience MUST be documented in your applications employment history)

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience handling felony criminal cases?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have felony jury trial experience?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience representing indigent clients?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?

• Yes, I am fluent in both of these languages
• No, I am fluent in only one of these languages
• No, I am not fluent in either one of these languages

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx