0000003757.ATTORNEY IV.PUBLIC DEFENDER
About the role
Provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in assigned felony, family, juvenile, or mental health cases. Services include case evaluation, legal advice, plea offers, and representing clients in jury trials, non-jury hearings, plea negotiations, and dismissals. Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, and interprets laws, rules, and regulations. Receives oversight, training, and supervision based on experience and expertise. Assists in training Attorney I, II, and III positions.
This position is for the CPS Division. Attorney IVs in the Family and CPS divisions operate with extensive autonomy within the boundaries set by the Texas Family Code and Texas Rules of Professional Conduct, supported by a team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and social workers.
Responsibilities
- Conducts jury trials, trials before the court, and contested matters.
- Prepares and/or drafts legal documents, including plea papers, motions, briefs, and pleadings.
- Researches applicable statutes and case law.
- Analyzes pending charges and develops defenses.
- Negotiates plea bargain recommendations with the State.
- Interviews clients and potential witnesses; discusses facts and applicable law with clients.
- Reviews evidence, inspects crime scenes, prepares investigative requests, and makes home visits.
- Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks, and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
- Assists felony and misdemeanor public defenders as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas.
- Two years and six months of experience practicing law.
Work Environment
Standard office environment.