Job Openings

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Webb County Public Defenders Office
1110 Washington St. Ste.102 Laredo, TX
Full-Time - $73,955.87 - $81,683.23 annually
Job number: 01372
Open until filled

This position is responsible for providing legal representation for indigent clients.

Examples of Duties

  • Represents clients who have been charged with an offense; meets with clients and provides advice concerning charges pending and available options.
  • Researches case law and special legal issues.
  • Conducts background investigations; interviews witnesses, victims, and law enforcement officers.
  • Prepares cases for trial; represents clients in court.
  • Negotiates cases with District Attorneys, clients and family members.
  • Remains informed of new court decisions, new laws, and revised rules and regulations.
  • Prioritizes plans and organizes work to meet numerous deadlines and amended deadlines for motions, extensions, show cause and evidentiary hearings, and other court requirements.
  • Supervises and delegates responsibilities to legal secretaries and investigators.
  • Maintains legal files and records.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Graduation from an accredited school of law.
  • Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
  • Current membership in the State Bar of Texas.

Supplemental Information

  • Knowledge of local, state and federal law.
  • Knowledge of investigative tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of trial proceedings.
  • Knowledge of computers and job related software programs.
  • Skill in the completion of legal research.
  • Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.
  • Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Ability to communicate in English and Spanish

Apply online here. 

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

SUMMARY: Small Bryan/College Station criminal defense firm is seeking an associate to expand services offered to established client base. This position requires a thorough knowledge of all phases of criminal litigation and law enforcement practices. Representation of clients in divorce/custody, CPS, probate, and estate planning matters possible as approved by Principal Attorney on a case-by-case basis.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Principal Attorney.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Generally none.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Duties include the following:

  1. Responsible for the defense of adult and juvenile clients in the District and County Courts of Brazos and surrounding counties.
  2. Prepare for pre-trial and post-conviction hearings (motions for discovery, motions to suppress evidence, motions to revoke probation, etc.)
  3. Perform legal research and writing daily.
  4. Prepare for and conduct trials (bench or jury).
  5. Prepare and evaluate cases daily. Ensure adequate investigation of cases. Apply the law to facts.
  6. Interview prospective clients and advise existing clients. Maintain contact with opposing counsel and witnesses
  7. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the law.
  8. Zealous and ethical representation of client as assigned by Principal Attorney
  9. Draft appellate briefs and argue at the Court of Appeals.
  10. Provide information and interviews to the local press with Principal Attorney’s permission and supervision

ATTENDANCE IS AN ESSENTIAL FUNCTION AND EXPECTATION OF THIS JOB

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university and a Juris Doctorate are required. The individual should possess a thorough working knowledge of criminal law, court procedures, and practices. One to three years of experience preferred, but willing to consider recent graduates. Further experience in family law, probate, and estate planning also preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: The applicant must have a Texas Law license. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents; Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style; Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to public groups. Bilingual applicants (English/Spanish) are preferred.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

  1. Submission of application packet to include cover letter with desired salary expectations, resume, references and writing sample;
  2. Telephone interview with office manager and senior paralegal;
  3. Principal Attorney evaluation of staff telephone interview reports, education and experience;
  4. Telephone interview with Principal Attorney
  5. Reference check
  6. In-person interview with Principal Attorney and staff

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and applicant and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The applicant further understands, and accepts, that employment in this position falls under the provision of an “At Will” employment, and under no circumstances is this a contract for employment.

The Law Office of Mark R. Maltsberger, PLLC
 216 N. Bryan Avenue, Suite 110
Bryan, Texas 77803
TEL: 979-691-7168
 FAX: 979-314-1146
www.mmaltsberger.com

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

FEMA is seeking talented and experienced men and women for the role of Human Resources Specialist within the FEMA Policy and Planning Division. This is a permanent, full-time position within the Federal Government.

Primary Position Duties

In this position, you will be a key member of the Workforce Planning Branch within the Office of the Chief Component Human Capital Officer’s Policy and Planning Division. If selected for this position, you will be responsible for a full range of workforce planning activities in support of management's goals to identify, attract, and retain high quality and diverse workforce that is capable of accomplishing FEMA's mission.

Typical assignments include:

  • Assisting with the development, deployment and use of an agency-wide workload analysis tool.
  • Developing and managing the succession plan program.
  • Analyzing business processes to determine human capital requirements and assesses resourcing options.
  • Developing and deploying strategies to improve human capital and workforce planning at FEMA.
  • Developing advanced human capital workforce planning business practices, analytical methods and techniques to resolve human resource problems not susceptible to treatment by standard methods.

For more information on the position and To Apply visit the following link https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/473597500

Federal Employees may apply via the following link https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/473597100

This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) Monday, 7/17/2017 OR at 11:59 p.m. ET on the date the 200th application is received, whichever comes first. For information on other opportunities with FEMA, visit Careers.fema.gov

 

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER

Office of the Federal Public Defender
Western District of Texas (Del Rio)

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, Western District of Texas, is accepting applications for the position of assistant federal public defender to be stationed in the Del Rio office. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; and (2) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Spanish-language fluency is required for this position. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Duties. The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training, and may involve foreign travel. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred, but not required.

Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including participation in health and life insurance program, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest (mentioning announcement number 17-06), résumé, and representative writing sample, along with 3 references. Litigation experience should be described in detail. Send completed application to: Maureen Scott Franco, Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas, 2205 Veterans Blvd., Suite A-2, Del Rio, Texas 78840-3141. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact Victoria B. Longoria, Personnel Administrator, at (210) 472-6700. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Position announced May 15, 2017, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled.

Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

Harris County District Attorney's Office

12:00am to 8:00am Intake Night Shift Manager Position
The Intake Night Shift Manager (NSM) is responsible for:
• Review and file all criminal matters presented by law enforcement during the 12 Midnight to 8:00am shift.
• Train and supervise the other employees and reviewing the work product of everyone on that shift.
• Report directly to the Intake Bureau Chief (or their designee) each morning prior to being relieved.
• Handle all murder charges and draft or approve all homicide search warrants. The Intake NSM will personally handle the most serious cases that come into Intake during this shift, and will be available to assist all staff in the cases they handle.
• Approve all sick, comp and vacation requests of Shift personnel and inform Intake Bureau Chief who has the responsibility of filling any gaps in coverage.
• An attorney with least 6 years of experience in handling criminal law cases. 


12:00am to 8:00am Probable Cause (PC) Chief Position
The PC Chief position must be able to prepare the cases for presentation to the Magistrate which includes:
• Make sure the cases are plead correctly and enhanced as correctly as possible.
• Prepare and complete MOEPs when necessary.
• Ensure the bond recommendations are correct, and if incorrect suggest the correct bond to the Magistrate.
• This should be an attorney who has practiced criminal law for at least 3 years and who understands the criminal court system and is competent to ensure that everyone who handled the case before him/her did it correctly. PC Chief must understand that they are responsible for the file when it goes before the Magistrate.

12:00am to 8:00am Night Shift #2
We need a #2 level attorney that is experienced in writing warrants and handling all types of criminal cases.
• The #2 position should be someone with at least 4 years’ experience in handling criminal cases.
• Should have experience in investigations and the trial of criminal cases.
• Must have the expertise to know which charges should be accepted in every situation brought to him/her by law enforcement officers at Intake. This person has to have the working knowledge to advise the officers on what to do when probable cause is lacking, and has to be strong enough to say NO to officers when a charge should not be filed.
• This person has to be competent enough to take over the Chief’s position if the Chief is absent for any reason.
• Will handle all serious felonies except murder and capital murder. Proficient in writing search and arrest warrants, and in drafting Grand Jury subpoena requests.

Chief Defender for Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office

LUBBOCK PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE

DIRECTLY HIRES AND SUPERVISES:All staff of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office and the Lubbock Special Needs Defender Office, with the exception of the Director of Professional Development.
REPORTS TO: The Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders' Office
Salary: $125,000 Annually
Health Insurance and 401K available.
This screening process will begin May 28, 2017, and will continue until the position is filled.
Resumes should be emailed to edjob@lpdo.org.

Lubbock Private Defender’s Office, (LPDO) is seeking an Executive Director who will execute our dual missions to defend the liberty of indigent citizens accused of crimes and to protect the dignity of those citizens who have intellectual disabilities and mental health needs as they navigate the criminal justice system of Lubbock County. LPDO, a 501(c)3 non-profit, annually contracts with Lubbock County to oversee the administration of quality indigent defense services by appointing attorneys to represent defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases filed in Lubbock County. LPDO provides on-going training and mentorship to the attorneys handling court appointed cases. Additionally, LPDO has four full time social workers delivering mental health support services for defendants who have intellectual disabilities or mental health needs. Created as the Lubbock Special Needs Offender Office in 2008 and expanded to all adult Felony and Misdemeanor appointments in 2011, this program was the first of its kind in Texas and continues to be on the forefront in mental health legal defense services. LPDO is seeking an executive director, who serves at the pleasure of the LPDO Board, to oversee the day-to-day operations of LPDO and who, along with the Director of Professional Development, manages the panel of attorneys representing clients in court appointed cases. Depending on interest of other counties in the region and available funding, the Executive Director may also be responsible for overseeing the expansion of the office’s mental health services to surrounding counties.

Summary of Duties
Lubbock Private Defender’s office seeks an experienced executive director with a strong background and expertise in indigent defense and working with public boards or commissions. The Director must be a licensed attorney who has strong administrative skills and financial acumen to manage and administer indigent defense efforts providing legal representation to court appointed clients including those with mental health needs. A strong knowledge of mental health issues in the criminal defense context would be helpful.

The Executive Director oversees all daily operations of the organization, including financial oversight, staff supervision, assignment and payment of court appointed attorneys, approval of trial and consulting experts, investigators, and mitigation specialists while simultaneously promoting the mission and goals of LPDO to the Lubbock County Commissioners, citizens of Lubbock County and the State of Texas.

Position Description: The Chief Defender of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office is responsible for the performance of the contract for indigent criminal defense representation with the County of Lubbock.

Minimum Requirements:
• a license to practice law in the State of Texas or eligibility to be licensed in the State of Texas
• administrative experience
• strong verbal and written communication skills
• ability to collaborate with others

Preferred Qualifications:
• experienced in the practice of criminal law
• experience in the delivery of indigent defense services
• a minimum of 15 years of experience practicing law
• work experience in a public defender’s office or as the managing partner of a law firm
• experience with grant compliance
• previous employment with non-profit organization or government entity
• experience supervising attorneys

Primary Responsibilities:

The following responsibilities illustrate the primary duties for which the Chief Defender of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office is responsible, either directly or through appropriate delegation to subordinates. The duties include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Responsible for the overall and day-to-day operation of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office. Responsible for ensuring performance of the terms of the contract with the County of Lubbock for the provision of indigent legal defense to all persons eligible for the provision of legal services by court appointment at public expense. Acts as the functional equivalent of Lubbock County’s Public Defender.
2. Prepare and present an annual report on the operation of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office to the Lubbock County Commissioners, as required by the provisions of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office’s contract with Lubbock County.
3. Prepare and present monthly and annual reports of the operations of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office to the Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office. Develop and present an annual budget for the Office to the Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office. Responsible for managing the budget of the Program in view of the actual and anticipated caseloads and expenses of the operation.
4. Work with the Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office to establish, review and refine policies and procedures, to address the concerns of Program attorneys as they relate to the administration of indigent defense in Lubbock County, and to develop recommendations to the Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office with respect to compensation of Private Defender panel attorneys.
5. Responsible for the assignment of cases to panel attorneys, fitting the complexity and seriousness of cases to the skill levels of the assigned attorneys. May seek advice and counsel of the Director of Professional Development.
6. Work with the Board of Directors of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office to develop process for application, renewal, and advancement by panel attorneys.
7. Ensure compliance with appointment procedures as set forth by law and by the Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office.
8. Attend programs of training and education to maintain and enhance skills required in the practice of criminal law. The Chief Defender must complete a minimum of 25 hours of CLE per year. The CLE must relate to criminal law, ethics, and/or law office management/administration.
9. Maintain sound relationships with other components of the criminal justice system in Lubbock County, including but not limited to: the Courts, County government managers and leaders, the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies, the Probation Department, the office of the District Attorney, County Departments of Health and Human Services, and StarCare. Maintain contact with other indigent defense organizations to secure and share information helpful to the operation of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office.
10. Participate with other criminal justice agencies in the formation and implementation of policies that affect the administration of criminal justice in Lubbock County.
11. Together with the Director of Professional Development, investigate and respond to inquiries and comments from members of the public, clients and from members of the judiciary. Receives complaints from members of the public, clients and from members of the judiciary; evaluates the nature and number of such complaints as they relate to the quality of representation provided by Program attorneys. Complaints from members of the public, clients and from members of the judiciary will be referred to the Peer Review Committee.
12. Represent of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office on various commissions, committees, and boards to enhance the role of the Office in this community. Participate in community outreach by appearing as a speaker at various governmental, judicial and community functions to communicate the mission of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office and its role in the criminal justice system.
13. Ensure compliance with the Lubbock District Court and County Court Indigent Defense Plan that is submitted to the Task Force on Indigent Defense.
14. Evaluating the work of the staff of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office.
15. With the advice from the Director of Professional Development, determine which attorneys are placed on the attorney panel. Determine the levels of offenses for which each attorney on the panel is qualified, including advancements of and restrictions upon the attorneys comprising the attorney panel.
16. Together with the Director of Professional Development, evaluate the work of panel attorneys.
17. Review, in detail, pay vouchers submitted by panel attorneys.
18. Pay attorneys, investigators, and expert witnesses in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office.
19. Give final approval on all requests for funds for expert and ancillary services made by panel attorneys.
20. Notify office employees when they will be affected by changes to the contract with Lubbock County or to the policies and procedures of the office.
21. Attend meetings of the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
22. Perform any other tasks that may be necessary as determined by the Board of the Lubbock Private Defenders’ Office to ensure compliance with the contract with Lubbock County and requirements by the Task Force on Indigent Defense.
23. Prepare for, organize and oversee the expansion of the LPDO Special Needs Offender Office to other counties in the region.

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