Assistant Public Defender - Pretrial & Appellate Litigation - Appellate Division
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Regular Full-time
Job Number
16660
Department
Public Defenders Office
Opening Date
05/01/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Position Description
Position Description:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing client-centered, high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy and collaboration.
The Assistant Public Defender will work closely with felony and misdemeanor trial attorneys focusing on pretrial and appellate litigation. This work includes assisting with the filing of pretrial writs on bail and bond conditions. When necessary, attorney will file pretrial writs including, but not limited to challenging the constitutionality of statutes, pleas in bar, or possible writs of mandamus. The attorney will litigate these matters in the trial courts and continue representation throughout the appellate courts on direct appeal and discretionary review stages of the appellate process.
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 and Experience:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Criminal or Civil jury trial experience.
Experience drafting appellate briefs
Licensure:
Licensed at least five (5) years.
Licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible for admission.
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:
Salary:
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
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Savings Benefit
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
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?
02
Have you been licensed to practice law for at least five (5) years?
03
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.
04
Do you have Criminal or Civil jury trial experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
05
Do you have experience drafting appellate briefs? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history))
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