Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship – Fall 2027

About the role

The Harris County Public Defender's Office (“HCPDO”) is one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, employing more than 350 professionals, including over 200 attorneys. HCPDO provides client-centered, holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Harris County through interdisciplinary teams that include attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and administrative professionals. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense.

The Fall 2027 Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship is designed for graduating third-year law students (3Ls), recent law school graduates, and newly licensed Texas attorneys. Fellows will participate in an intensive, structured training program to prepare for indigent criminal defense through classroom instruction, courtroom observation, supervised advocacy, mentorship, and hands-on case experience. The fellowship serves as HCPDO's primary hiring pathway for entry-level Assistant Public Defenders.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and successfully complete the Post-Bar Fellowship Training Program, including classroom instruction, skills-based training, courtroom observation, and supervised advocacy.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings.
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, discovery review, witness preparation, and defense strategy.
• Participate in client interviews, jail visits, and client counseling.
• Assist in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and reviewing evidence.
• Participate in court proceedings, including hearings, plea negotiations, and trials, as permitted under applicable law and supervision.
• Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, social workers, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and all office policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Applicants must submit the following application materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter addressing:
  • Why you want to become a public defender.
  • Educational, professional, volunteer, or lived experiences that have prepared you for this work.
  • Any additional information you would like the hiring committee to consider.
• Law school transcript (unofficial accepted)
• Contact information for at least two (2) professional references

Education and Licensure:

• Be a third-year law student (3L) enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school and expected to graduate before the anticipated fellowship start date; or
• Be a recent law school graduate; or
• Be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas by the fellowship start date.

Texas Bar Examination Requirement:

• Be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas by the fellowship start date; or
• Have taken the Texas Bar Examination immediately preceding the fellowship start date and be awaiting results.

Applicants who intend to obtain Texas licensure through UBE score transfer, admission on motion, or another admission pathway after the fellowship begins are not eligible for this fellowship.

Preferences

• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to public defense, indigent criminal defense, client-centered representation, or public service.
• Ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Schedule

Regular Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Anticipated Start Date: September 2027 (subject to final scheduling)

Initial Training Program: Approximately eight (8) weeks, beginning after the July 2027 Texas Bar Examination.

Pay

$33.00 per hour during the fellowship.

Annual salary upon transition to Assistant Public Defender: $98,904

Benefits

Eligible for Harris County employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave.