Assistant Public Defender - Pretrial & Appellate Litigation - Appellate Division

Assistant Public Defender - Pretrial & Appellate Litigation - Appellate Division

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

17253

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

09/24/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender's Office:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing client-centered, high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy and collaboration.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Public Defender will work closely with felony and misdemeanor trial attorneys focusing on pretrial and appellate litigation. This work includes assisting with the filing of pretrial writs on bail and bond conditions. When necessary, attorney will file pretrial writs including, but not limited to challenging the constitutionality of statutes, pleas in bar, or possible writs of mandamus. The attorney will litigate these matters in the trial courts and continue representation throughout the appellate courts on direct appeal and discretionary review stages of the appellate process.

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.

• Criminal or Civil jury trial experience.

• Experience drafting appellate briefs.

Licensure:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission.

• Licensed at least five (5) years.

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.

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? (Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.)

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you been licensed at least five (5) years? (Licensure MUST be documented in the "Certificates and Licenses" section of your application to be considered.)

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have Criminal or Civil jury trial experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience drafting appellate briefs? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Yes
• No

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