Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Division

Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Division

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16910

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender's Office:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is committed to providing client-centered, high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy and collaboration.

Position Description:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join the Appellate Division. This position represents indigent clients throughout the post-conviction appellate process, including motions for new trial, direct appeals, and petitions for discretionary review. The ideal candidate is a strong legal writer, skilled researcher, and committed to providing exceptional representation through thoughtful legal analysis and effective written advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent clients during the direct appeal, and discretionary review stages of criminal proceedings.

• Review trial records, transcripts, and applicable law to identify and preserve appellate issues.

• Conduct legal research and prepare appellate briefs, motions, petitions, and other legal filings.

• Maintain regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members regarding the status of their cases and the appellate process.

• Collaborate with trial attorneys and other members of the office as appropriate.

• Accurately document case activity and maintain records in the case management system.

• Stay current on changes in Texas and federal criminal law and appellate practice.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample with their application.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients.

Licensure:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or eligible for admission to the Texas 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.

Preferences

• Experience handling criminal appeals, motions for new trial, or petitions for discretionary review.
• Judicial clerkship experience, particularly with an appellate court.
• Experience in criminal defense or indigent defense.
• Spanish language proficiency.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary:

• 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 Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Do you have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission? Qualifying information must be documented in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience handling criminal appeals, motions for new trial, or petitions for discretionary review?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have judicial clerkship experience, particularly with an appellate court?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience in criminal defense or indigent defense?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you speak Spanish fluently?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx