Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Felony

Assistant Public DefenderThe Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Felony Section of the Mental Health Division. Attorneys in the Felony Section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), or co-occurring conditions who are charged with felony offenses in the Harris County Criminal District Courts.Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, client advocates, and support staff, attorneys provide holistic, client-centered representation that addresses both the legal and underlying needs of their clients. The ideal candidate will have personal or professional experience working with individuals with mental illness or IDD; however, such experience is preferred, not required.Duties and Responsibilities:Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the Harris County Criminal District Courts while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda, and other pleadings in assigned cases.Collaborates with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialist, support staff, and other members of the defense team to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop effective defense strategies.Develops a working knowledge of civil and criminal statutes related to mental health, competency, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.Maintains regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members or support systems, including frequent visits to the Harris County Jail, to ensure clients are informed and supported throughout the representation.Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge through disposition, including examining witnesses, presenting legal arguments and evidence, conducting pre-trial conferences, hearings, plea negotiations, and trials.Fosters a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, court personnel, and community partners.Participates in office training programs, continuing legal education, and other professional development opportunities.Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Harris County Public Defender's Office.Requirements:Education and Experience:Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.A minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience is required.Licensure:Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Strong written and oral advocacy skills.Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management abilities.Ability to manage an active caseload while meeting court deadlines.Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.Commitment to providing client-centered representation and serving indigent clients.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:Personal or professional experience working with individuals living with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or co-occurring disorders.Experience handling felony criminal cases.Experience working with multidisciplinary teams or community service providers.Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is a plus.General Information:Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:Regular Full-timeMonday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMWeekend hours as needed.Salary: Depends on Qualifications Based on 26 Pay Periods Plus, benefitsEmployment 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.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:Medical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife InsuranceLong-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Time Off (PTO)Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)Eleven (11) County-observed holidaysOne (1) floating holiday per yearPaid Parental Leave*Sick LeaveRetirement Savings Benefit457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:Professional learning & development opportunitiesRetirement 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 County's behalf as needed.For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: