Assistant Public Defender - Pretrial & Appellate Litigation - Appellate Division

Salary: Depends on Qualifications Location : Houston, TX Job Type: Regular Full-time Job Number: 16660 Department: Public Defender's Office Opening Date: 05/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Position Description: 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. 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 If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io 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 at least five (5) years. 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. 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 County's behalf as needed. For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: 01 Do you have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law? Yes No 02 Have you been licensed to practice law for at least five (5) years? Yes No 03 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 04 Do you have Criminal or Civil jury trial experience?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Yes No 05 Do you have experience drafting appellate briefs?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)) Yes No Required Question