2026 Pre-commit
Harris County District Attorney's Office
Houston, TX 77002
$28 an hour
Description
2026 PRE-COMMIT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
***GRADUATES TAKING THE FEBRUARY 2026 and JULY 2026 TEXAS STATE BAR EXAM ***
Pre-commit Intern Salary
The 2026 Pre-commit Intern Salary is $28.00 an hour
Entry Level ADA
Misdemeanor 3 & 2 = $93,100.80
HCDAO wants to give select recent law-school graduates, awaiting their Texas Bar results an opportunity to join our office, specifically in the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, and become familiar with the day to day as an HCDAO ADA. Candidates are afforded a highly dedicated support staff to help them along the way. The Office also frequently hires 2L and 3L law students serving in voluntary internships, and 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students serving in voluntary internships. For more information and application details, please see below.
The Harris County Assistant District Attorney at a Glance:
The Harris County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to making our community safer through the pursuit of truth and justice. Our role as prosecutors is not to convict, but to ensure that justice is done. We are committed to protecting the public, serving with integrity and dedication to the truth, being a voice for survivors, while upholding the rights of the accused. We believe in a criminal justice system that is both compassionate and efficient, where public safety and fairness are not mutually exclusive.
Our office strives to lead with transparency, empathy, and accountability, creating a justice system that works for everyone in Harris County. Together, we will rebuild trust, reduce backlogs, and ensure that every individual receives the justice they deserve.
Pre-commit Program
Every year, HCDAO accepts applications for our Pre-commit program. HCDAO Pre-commits are treated as Misdemeanor 3 attorneys while they await their bar results. They will conduct victim and witness interviews; (2) conduct formal plea procedures; (3) do trial preparation; (4) research and writing; and (5) conduct jury selection and jury trials. Post Bar fellows routinely go to court to conduct court dockets, hearings, and trials. Pre-commits may also be required to complete additional assignments, specific projects, or observations as prescribed by their Chief.
Pre-commit / M#3 Duties
Typically first assigned to the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, where cases of all types are handled from preliminary hearings to jury trials. The progression from the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau into other units is based on the needs of the office and demonstrated ability and work ethic. After an initial period in the Misdemeanor Division, Assistant District Attorneys move on to the Felony Trial Bureau where they handle a range of felony cases, including serious crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder. Assistant District Attorneys may also have the opportunity to work in specialty divisions such as Crimes Against Children, Financial Crimes, Trafficking, and Mental Health.
Job Description:
- Assistant District Attorney represents the State of Texas in criminal proceedings in the Harris County Criminal District Courts and County Criminal Courts at Law. The Assistant District Attorney duties include the following:
- Prepare case files, evidence, documents for court proceedings
- Interview victims and witnesses.
- Analyze assigned cases and prepare the cases for trial.
- Interact with victims, police, and witnesses to make critical decisions to support court proceedings.
- Conduct legal research and prepare motions.
- Present cases, cross examine witnesses, and make arguments in the court.
- Perform administrative tasks in connection with other assigned duties.
Hours:
Monday through Friday, hours may vary based on the division needs. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.
Qualifications
Applicants must be recent law school graduates prepping for the February 2026 or July 2026 Texas State Bar Exam. Qualified candidates should also have an excellent academic record. Pre-commits typically come to the program after completion of their Texas State Bar Exam however, there are some exceptions based on HCDAO’s current needs.
The program has about a 3-6 month term that could lead directly to employment with HCDAO if the fellow does well during their fellowship and passes the Texas State Bar exam. Our Pre-commits will be paid a salary of $28.00 per hour. If a pre-commit is offered an ADA position upon passing their Texas State Bar, he/she will then be granted our starting Misdemeanor 3 ADA pay and full benefits. HCDAO offers a host of very attractive benefits, and as a public employee, the new ADA qualifies for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program as well!
Note:
Applicants that are chosen for our pre-commit program will be sworn in and transferred into a Misdemeanor #3 ADA position and will begin receiving entry level ADA pay ($93,100.80) upon receiving passing bar exam results. If a chosen applicant does not pass their Texas State Bar Exam, the applicant must be present on the day of exam results release. The applicant must resign from their pre-commit position, return all assigned equipment, and badges to HCDAO HR Operations.
Application Process
Please set up a profile in our application tracking system and complete the application in its entirety. Upload your:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Any trial, mock trial or moot court experience
***Your completed application and required documents will be reviewed. If you are approved for the Pre-commit Program with HCDAO, you will be subject to a full background investigation. When the investigation concludes and is approved, you will receive an email from the HR Professional Coordinator containing more info on the program and directions for getting started.
Please include:
Resume
Cover Letter
Law School Transcripts
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Assistant District Attorney Salaries vary by level of experience:
Felony Chief- $149,645.20
Felony 2- $117,644.80
Felony 3- $98,467.20
Misdemeanor 3 & 2 = $93,100.80
Benefits:
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan. The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service.
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
- 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program)