2027 Pre-commit (February & July 2027 Bar Takers)

About the role

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to making our community safer through the pursuit of truth and justice. Our role as prosecutors is not to convict, but to ensure that justice is done. We are committed to protecting the public, serving with integrity and dedication to the truth, being a voice for survivors, while upholding the rights of the accused.

Responsibilities

Pre-commits will conduct victim and witness interviews, conduct formal plea procedures, do trial preparation, research and writing, and conduct jury selection and jury trials. Post Bar fellows routinely go to court to conduct court dockets, hearings, and trials. Pre-commits may also be required to complete additional assignments, specific projects, or observations as prescribed by their Chief.

Assistant District Attorneys will be assigned to the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, where cases of all types are handled from preliminary hearings to jury trials. The progression from the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau into other units is based on the needs of the office and demonstrated ability and work ethic.

• Prepare case files, evidence, documents for court proceedings
• Interview victims and witnesses
• Analyze assigned cases and prepare the cases for trial
• Interact with victims, police, and witnesses to make critical decisions to support court proceedings
• Conduct legal research and prepare motions
• Present cases, cross examine witnesses, and make arguments in the court
• Perform administrative tasks in connection with other assigned duties

Requirements

Applicants must be recent law school graduates prepping for the February 2027 or July 2027 Texas State Bar Exam. Qualified candidates should also have an excellent academic record.

Qualifications

The program has about a 3-6 month term that could lead directly to employment with HCDAO if the fellow does well during their fellowship and passes the Texas State Bar exam.

Benefits

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Pay

Pre-commits will be paid a salary of $28.00 per hour. If a pre-commit is offered an ADA position upon passing their Texas State Bar, he/she will then be granted our starting Misdemeanor 3 ADA pay ($93,100.80) and full benefits.

Assistant District Attorney salaries vary by level of experience, with the following ranges:

• Felony Chief: $149,635.20
• Felony 2: $124,072.00
• Felony 3: $110,780.80
• Misdemeanor 2: $98,904.00
• Misdemeanor 3: $93,100.80

Schedule

Hours are Monday through Friday, with varying hours based on the division needs. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.