JOB
The Travis County Public Defender’s Office (PDO) is a comprehensive public defender office envisioned to be client-centered, independent, and innovative to the needs of Travis County residents. Consistent with nationally recognized best practices, the PDO provides high-quality holistic defense representation and other support to people, including juveniles and those living with serious mental illness/intellectual or developmental disability, accused of criminal offenses via its three divisions- General, Juvenile and Mental Health.
The Attorney I is a key member of the PDO team with responsibilities in providing zealous representation and advocacy to indigent people in Travis County.
* The position may be filled before the closing date. Applications will be reviewed and selected candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. *
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Attorney I: This is the first in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorneys job family. This classification handles cases and matters that are the least complex and may result in the least serious consequences without supervision.
Salary Information:
$70535.57- $85,500.00 annually
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
- Provides client-centered criminal defense representation to indigent clients.
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Works as a part of a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic representation.
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Performs legal research. Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to case or issue under consideration.
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Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, contracts and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports.
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Oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs and warrants.
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Prepares cases for trial. Collects, organizes and prepares evidence, information and other legal materials.
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Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The PDO is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. The PDO strongly encourages candidates of all identities, experiences, abilities and communities to apply. All applicants should be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. In considering applicants, the PDO values an applicant's experience and/or thoughtfulness in working with people from communities that experience marginalization.
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.
There are multiple open positions, including regular FTE and term-limited positions. The term-limited positions are currently funded through September 30, 2027, with the goal to extend beyond that term.
Department: Public Defender’s Office
Location: 1010 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701
Post-offer criminal background check required.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
