Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division – Competency Restoration Docket
Harris County
Houston, TX
Description
Position Description
Position Description:
The Harris County Public Defender’s Office (PDO) has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the felony section of the Mental Health Division. The PDO provides holistic, client-centered representation to individuals charged with offenses in Harris County. Attorneys in the felony section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness or intellectual/developmental disorder, or both. In the competency restoration docket, attorneys represent clients who have been found incompetent to stand trial or who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
The ideal candidate will have some personal or professional experience interacting with this population, although it is not required. Candidates must have a passion for representing the most vulnerable clients in the criminal justice system and a willingness to litigate cases through competency restoration to state hospital admission to an ultimate resolution of the criminal charges. A significant focus on mitigation and holistic defense is also required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the felony-level competency restoration docket while maintaining the highest level of professionalism
- Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda and other pleadings in assigned cases
- Collaborates with support staff and investigators to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop a strong strategy that reflects the client’s desires and incorporates the client’s mental health and medical needs
- Develops expertise in civil and criminal statutes related to mental health and intellectual disability and litigates civil commitment hearings as required in the criminal court
- Maintains regular communication with clients, witnesses and opposing counsel, including frequent jail visits, state hospital visits, and other facility visits where clients may be held
- Prepares cases for commitment hearings, competency trials and criminal trials and litigates cases from a finding of incompetence to ultimate disposition of the charges. Examines witnesses, engages and interviews experts, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings and plea negotiations
- Fosters a respectful, team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, and court personnel, and supports co-workers as needed
- Participates in training and professional development opportunities both within and outside the office
Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of the office
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
Requirements
Education:
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law.
Licensure:
- Current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
- Member of and in good standing with the Texas State Bar.
A valid driver's license is required. (Must obtain a Texas driver's license before date of hire)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned by the court.
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 | 8am to 5pm
- Subject to Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays as needed.
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
- Depends on Qualifications
-
Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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