Top 8 Public defender Jobs in Houston Tx

Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division
Harris County —Houston, TX
- Full-time
- Spanish
- Writing skills
- Pass drug screening
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Misdemeanor
Harris County —Houston, TX
- Weekends as needed
- Background check
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
- Spanish
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Division
Harris County —Houston, TX
- Full-time
- Background check
- Spanish
- Writing skills
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Felony
Harris County —Houston, TX
- Weekends as needed
- Background check
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
- Spanish
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship – Fall 2027
Harris County —Houston, TX
- $33 an hour
- Full-time
- Writing skills
- Pass drug screening
- Analysis skills
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
Staff Attorney
ALTO USA LLC —Pearland, TX
- $80,000 - $85,000 a year
- Weekends as needed
- Remote
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- Driver's License
- Mileage reimbursement
- Disability insurance
Quick Apply

More jobs to discover

Find similar jobs that you might be interested in.

Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Felony
Harris County —Houston, TX
Collaborates with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialist, support staff, and other members of the defense team to prepare case files, gather…
Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Misdemeanor
Harris County —Houston, TX
Collaborates with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialist, support staff, and other members of the defense team to prepare case files, gather…

Show more similar jobs

Explore jobs in cities nearby

Check out jobs in cities near your current location, Columbus

Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction
State of Ohio - Public Defender Commission —Columbus, OH
The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for staff to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance…
$38.75 - $49.92 an hour
Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2 - Death Penalty Department
State of Ohio - Public Defender Commission —Columbus, OH
Screens calls and visitors for department attorneys. Files legal documents electronically in federal and state courts.
$24.54 - $27.56 an hour
3d

I want to receive the latest job alert for public defender in houston tx

By signing in to your account, you agree to SimplyHired's Terms of Service and consent to our Cookie and Privacy Policy.

Explore jobs in more locations

public defender jobs near houston tx

Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division

Harris County -
Houston, TX

Apply Now

Job Details

Full-time

Benefits

Paid parental leave
Paid holidays
Disability insurance
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Paid time off
Parental leave
Employee assistance program
Vision insurance
Flexible schedule
Life insurance

Qualifications

Legal advocacy
Caseload management
Writing skills
Criminal defense law
Doctor of Law (JD)
Criminal case experience
Bar

Full Job Description

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients, protect constitutional rights, and promote fairness within the legal system.

Position Overview:

The Felony Division represents individuals charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts. Attorneys handle a wide range of cases, from state jail felonies to serious first-degree felonies. Attorneys work closely with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation. HCPDO maintains caseload limits to support high-quality representation and meaningful client advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Represent clients charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts.
Manage a felony caseload subject to office caseload limits designed to support effective, client-centered representation, from appointment through disposition.
Research, analyze, and interpret legal issues and develop case strategies.
Conduct legal research and prepare motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal pleadings.
Review discovery, investigate facts, identify legal and factual defenses, and prepare cases for litigation and trial.
Meet regularly with clients to explain legal options, discuss case strategy, and provide legal advice.
Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties, including regular visits to local jails and detention facilities.
Collaborate with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation.
Participate in case staffing and strategy discussions with attorneys and other members of the defense team.
Conduct plea negotiations and advocate for favorable outcomes on behalf of clients.
Represent clients at hearings, evidentiary proceedings, and jury trials, including examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments.
Provide zealous, ethical, and client-centered representation at all stages of the criminal legal process.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience.

Licensure:

Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
Commitment to client-centered representation and indigent defense.

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

Experience handling felony criminal cases.
Felony jury trial experience.
Experience representing indigent clients.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.

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 may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

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:

www.benefitsathctx.com

Apply Now

Refine Your Search

public defender jobs in houston tx

Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division

Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Misdemeanor

Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Division

Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Felony

Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship – Fall 2027

Staff Attorney

More jobs to discover

Explore jobs in cities nearby

I want to receive the latest job alert for public defender in houston tx

Explore jobs in more locations

Position Description

Requirements

Preferences

General Information

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected