Attorney I - III - Office of First Defense

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides high-quality criminal defense representation that complies with state and federal constitutions, state statutes, ethical rules, and state and national standards.

Provides client-centered representation in proceedings held under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to achieve client-centered goals.

Communicates professionally with clients, conducts legal research, and advocates on behalf of clients in court.

Interacts professionally with judges, prosecutors, and court personnel.

Prepares clients and their cases for magistration.

Wise uses County services, equipment, facilities, and finances in advocating for clients.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Attorney I: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school.
• Attorney II: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school and 18 months’ licensed attorney work experience.
• Attorney III: J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school and 3 years’ licensed attorney work experience.

Policies, Practices, Procedures and Legal Terminology Related to Criminal Law

• Knowledge of:
  • Legal principles and practices related to criminal defense
  • Philosophy and practices of client-centered and holistic defense practices.
  • Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
  • Applicable federal, state, local, and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Methods, practices, and applications of criminal defense and effective litigation techniques.
  • Criminal law, criminal procedure, and the rules of evidence.
  • Investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of:
  • National standards, including the ABA Defense Function Standards and ABA Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System.
  • Computer equipment, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and case management software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment.
• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.

Salary Information

$85,500 - $94,865.04 annually

Distinction Characteristics

• Attorney I: This classification handles cases and matters that are the least complex and may result in the least serious consequences with supervision.
• Attorney II: This classification handles cases and matters that are somewhat complex in nature and may require the attorney to handle cases with limited supervision.
• Attorney III: This classification handles cases and matters that are moderately complex and may require the attorney to handle cases with limited supervision.