Attorney I-III

About the Role

The Travis County Public Defender's Office (PDO) is a comprehensive public defender office committed to client-centered, independent, and innovative defense for the Travis County community. We provide high-quality holistic representation to our clients, including youth in Juvenile Court and adults in Criminal Court, with a focus on those living with serious mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities. We are seeking Attorney I-III candidates for our General Adult and Mental Health divisions who demonstrate a commitment to client-centered defense, have experience serving our client population, and can collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered criminal defense representation to indigent clients.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic representation.
• Perform legal research and analyze applicable laws, records, and documents.
• Draft legal documents, including briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, and contracts.
• Prepare cases for trial by collecting, organizing, and presenting evidence.
• Oversee the creation and issuance of legal documents such as subpoenas, motions, and warrants.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Attorney I: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school or eligible to complete by Summer 2027.
• Attorney II: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school AND 18 months of licensed attorney work experience.
• Attorney III: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school AND 3 years of licensed attorney work experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission via AWOX/UBE transfer process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with or representing individuals with serious mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities (required for Mental Health Division).
• Hearing and trial experience consistent with years of practice.
• Fluency in Spanish (speaking and writing).
• Mission-aligned experience advocating for marginalized communities impacted by criminal, immigration, or indigent civil legal systems.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Collateral consequences of criminal-legal system contact.
• Best practices in culturally competent representation of marginalized populations.
• Criminal and civil law, procedures, and constitutional/statutory law.
• Federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

Skills:

• Problem-solving, decision-making, and legal research.
• Verbal and written communication, including legal writing and presentations.
• Time management and multitasking in a high-pressure environment.

Abilities:

• Exercise sound judgment and work independently or collaboratively.
• Communicate effectively across diverse populations.
• Manage confidential information and adhere to legal/ethical standards.

Work Environment

The PDO is committed to inclusive hiring and values diversity in our staff and work. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply. Successful applicants will be dedicated to fostering an empowering, respectful, and safe environment for staff and clients. Physical requirements include occasional lifting up to 25 pounds and the ability to perform essential functions in an office setting.

Location: 1010 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: 8a-5p, Monday-Friday (some nights, weekends, and holidays required)
Department: Public Defender’s Office
Start Date: As soon as October 20th
Post-Offer Requirement: Criminal background check

For updates or questions, contact: tcpdohiring@traviscountytx.gov