Assistant Public Defender - Wrongful Convictions Division

Assistant Public Defender - Wrongful Convictions Division

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16856

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

06/23/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About the Wrongful Convictions Division:

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. The Wrongful Convictions Division works to identify, investigate, and litigate claims of actual innocence and wrongful convictions through post-conviction legal advocacy.

Position Overview:

Working collaboratively with members of the defense team, the Assistant Public Defender is responsible for investigating claims of actual innocence and representing clients in post-conviction proceedings, including applications for writs of habeas corpus and Chapter 64 motions for forensic DNA testing. This position requires strong analytical abilities, exceptional legal research and writing skills, and a commitment to uncovering facts that support post-conviction relief.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and evaluate claims of actual innocence and wrongful conviction.

• Conduct comprehensive factual and legal investigations in post-conviction cases.

• Research and analyze complex constitutional, procedural, forensic, and evidentiary issues.

• Draft applications for writs of habeas corpus, Chapter 64 motions, legal memoranda, appellate briefs, and other pleadings.

• Represent clients in post-conviction proceedings, hearings, and related litigation.

• Identify, locate, and analyze records, evidence, witness statements, forensic materials, and other information relevant to innocence claims.

• Collaborate with investigators, experts, and support staff to develop investigative strategies and case theories.

• Maintain regular communication with clients, family members, experts, and other stakeholders.

• Stay informed regarding developments in post-conviction law.

• Maintain accurate case records and documentation in accordance with office policies.

• 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

Requirements

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample with their application.

Education:

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Ability to independently manage complex legal matters and investigations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary defense team environment.
• Commitment to client-centered representation and indigent defense.

Licensure:

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

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 post-conviction writ litigation.
• Experience litigating Chapter 64 motions for forensic DNA testing.
• Familiarity with forensic science, DNA evidence, and wrongful conviction issues.
• Experience conducting complex factual investigations.
• Experience drafting appellate or post-conviction pleadings.

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 is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

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 licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission? (Qualifying information must be documented in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.)

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience handling post-conviction writ litigation?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience litigating Chapter 64 motions for forensic DNA testing?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have familiarity with forensic science, DNA evidence, and wrongful conviction issues?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience conducting complex factual investigations?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience drafting appellate or post-conviction pleadings?

• Yes
• No

08

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample with their application. Did you provide these supporting documents along with your application?

• Yes

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