Staff Attorney - Criminal Felony Concentrated

Staff Attorney - Criminal Felony Concentrated

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16668

Department

District Courts

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Position Overview:

This position will focus on the requirements of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Government Code, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Rules of Judicial Administration. The staff attorney may advise in other matters of law arising from the operation of courts and relations of courts and the court administrator and to other governmental agencies or entities. The position is an in-house, general counsel position with a focus on requirements unique to the felony district courts, with a special emphasis on bail decisions and processes. This position requires in-person attendance at meetings, CE/CLEs, in court (as requested) for specific hearings, and as determined by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judge's designee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to the Felony Judges and to Court Administration on legal and operational requirements of SB9 and the recent constitutional amendment (11d) on denial of bail.
• Provide assistance to the Felony Judges and to Court Administration on legal and operational requirements of other requirements unique to the felony courts.
• Provide ethical guidance and updates to the Judges of the District Courts and to the staff of the administrative offices, focusing on the specific ethical requirements of statutory compliance, Constitutional issues, and criminal law.
• Review, track and report on appellate decisions concerning the practices and procedures in the Felony Courts, with a focus on cases decided by the Court of Criminal Appeals and the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeal.
• Review, track and report on pending and enacted legislation as it pertains to the practice and procedure in the Felony Courts.
• Provide legal assistance to the Judges of the District Courts as they may request.
• Assist the District Courts in matters of law that arise concerning other agencies that affect the operation of the District Courts.
• Assist in responding to Rule 12 requests (the judicial equivalent of public information requests).
• Provide legal assistance to the judiciary and administration on matters of form and procedure.
• Other duties as designated by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judge's designee.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of the judiciary to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

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:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.

• Shall be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law.

• Minimum of five (5) first degree felony trials (tried to completion), or five (5) substantive felony briefs (briefs other than Anders briefs), or two (2) years of experience as a judge, magistrate or hearing law officer.

• Substantially equivalent experience as a government attorney, a judicial law clerk, or an attorney to an elected or appointed official will be considered.

• Demonstrate ability in legal research and writing.

Licensure:

• Shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

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

• Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization desirable.
• Preference for board certification in criminal law or criminal appellate law.

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

Are you a graduate of an accredited law school.from an accredited law school?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you in good standing with the State Bar of Texas?

• Yes
• No

04

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in the practice of law? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than ten (10) years
• Ten (10) years but less than eleven (11) years
• Eleven (11) years but less than twelve (12) years
• Twelve (12) years or more
• I do not have this experience

05

Do you have a minimum of five (5) first degree felony trials (tried to completion), or five (5) substantive felony briefs (briefs other than Anders briefs), or two (2) years of experience as a judge, magistrate or hearing law officer, or substantially equivalent experience as a government attorney, a judicial law clerk, or an attorney to an elected or appointed official? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a board certification in criminal law or criminal appellate law?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?

• 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