Job Title
Assistant Public Defender II
Pay Rate Min to Mid Range
$93,228.00 - $116,538.00
Time Type
Full time
Summary
Under general direction of the Chief Public Defender, is responsible for preparing and trying criminal cases; supervises support staff; conducts legal research; negotiates plea bargain agreements; represents indigent defendants in criminal cases; and performs related duties as required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Manages an active caseload of new cases and represents the defendant verbally and through written correspondence
Provides procedural advice to the client on the merits of their case, potential defense, immigration consequences and options for resolution
Conducts evidentiary hearings as required to supplement or create records for appellate court review
Attends all court hearings, file appropriate motions, advocate for your client before the court and in trial settings
Provides resource and research assistance to other staff attorney’s on complex issues
Maintains client relationships through continued visits, phone and written correspondence and responds to questions and concerns from clients, family and friends
Maintains awareness of new court decisions, new laws, and revised rules and regulations through conferences, workshops and relevant periodicals
Answers questions and assists the legal community regarding legal and procedural issues
Performs related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and four (4) years’ experience in prosecution or criminal law
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and maintain good standing with State Bar of Texas
Considerable knowledge of criminal procedure and defense; good knowledge of legal research and writing skills including familiarity with computer-based legal research; good knowledge of investigatory methods
Skill in organization and presentation of facts and supporting logic; skill in communicating effectively with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals; skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside organizations, service providers and the public; ability to prioritize, plan and organize work to meet numerous and amended deadlines for motions, extensions, show cause and evidentiary hearings and other court requirements; ability to operate personal computer and basic office equipment
Must have valid driver’s license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance
Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation
Must clear a pre-employment physical
May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
Constantly working in indoor conditions
Travel required to various hospitals to visit clients, including court hearings held at the San Antonio State Hospital and other locations outside the Bexar County Courthouse
Occasionally moves items weighing up to 15 pounds
Occasionally moves about the office
Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
Positions self to perform essential functions
Must be able to remain in a stationary position
Working With Bexar County
Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.
Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website
Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
