Trial Bureau Chief
Harris County
Houston, TX
Description
Position Description
The Trial Bureau Chief is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all trial divisions within the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. This role ensures high-quality, client-centered legal representation, promotes professional development among staff, and advances the office’s mission of excellence, equity, and innovation in indigent defense.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic direction, oversight, and support to division chiefs and their teams across all trial divisions.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate attorneys, investigators, and support staff to ensure high standards of advocacy and professionalism.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align trial division operations with the office’s core values and long-term goals.
- Review casework, motions, and trial performance to ensure compliance with ethical standards, constitutional requirements, and best practices.
- Implement quality-control measures, including case audits and performance feedback.
- Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation across trial divisions.
- Oversee staffing, workload distribution, and resource allocation across trial divisions.
- Lead the preparation and trial of complex felony cases from initial appearance to jury trial.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of ten (10) years' experience in criminal defense, with significant jury trial experience.
-
Prior supervisory or management experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to holistic, client-centered representation.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Licensure:
- Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-time
- Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Salary:
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 pay periods
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the hiring committee.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com