Public Defender II - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant - 2

General Summary:

This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony and misdemeanor cases. Primary responsibility to handle the felony case load. Additional responsibilities to assist in misdemeanor caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed.

Essential Duties:

•   Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender’s Office.
•   Obtain and review discovery and documents provided by the prosecution.
•   Research and investigate issues and cases.
•   Meet with clients as necessary.
•   Return all telephone calls and other communication from or on behalf of clients.
•   Prepare and file pleadings for trial.
•   Maintain written correspondence with clients during pretrial, trial, and post-trial process.
•   Prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.
•   Maintain awareness of new court decisions, laws, rules, and regulations.
•   Meet with investigator(s) to monitor the progress of investigations.
•   Screen cases for potential conflicts.
•   Assist in the training of new and less experienced attorneys.
•   Prepare cases for court and conduct trials as assigned.
•   Provide narrative and descriptive entries in client files of opinions, impressions and facts collected.
•   Negotiate with prosecutors and others involved in the court process.
•   Advise clients on plea offers, options and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.
•   Advise clients of constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the potential direct and collateral consequences of a guilty plea.
•   Select juries, examine, and cross examine witnesses, draft and argue jury instructions and argue cases to the jury.
•   Advise non-citizen clients of the specific immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
•   Attend conferences and stay current on legal updates.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision   
Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender.
Given: Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys.

Education   
Required:  Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.
Preferred:   

Experience   
Required:   •   Five or more years of experience involving criminal representation in state courts
•   Ten or more felony criminal jury trials taken to a verdict as first chair
Preferred:   

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations   
Required:   •   Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
•   Valid driver’s license
Preferred:   •   Board certification in Criminal Law

Physical Demands   
Typical: Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking, sitting, use of computer equipment, creating and moving paper files, operating a copy machine, walking to and from court as needed.  Some driving may be necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities   
Typical: 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.

Work Environment   
Typical: Brazos County PDO attorneys are expected to use professional courtesy, discretion and sound judgment when engaging in contact with co-workers, clients, prosecutors, judges, other county employees and members of the pubic.  Attorneys are also responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client information and business knowledge.