Job Openings

Assistant Public Defender

Bowie County Public Defenders Office

This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, misdemeanor or juvenile cases in Bowie County. Assists in the daily operation of the Public Defender’s Office. Responsibility will be determined upon previous experience but will include felony and misdemeanor case load. Ability to prepare legal documents and pleadings. Other duties assigned by the Chief Public Defender.

Educational Requirements

1. Juris Doctor or equivalent
2. Current active membership in the State Bar of Texas and in good standing with State Bar of Texas.

Salary Range

Minimum of $60,000/year plus benefits set forth below.

Other Benefits

Paid medical/health insurance; Texas County and District Retirement Program
Two (2) weeks paid vacation—three (3) weeks after ten (10) years
Ten (10) days paid sick leave; currently 12 days paid holidays
Monthly Travel Allowance
Paid Yearly State Bar of Texas Dues and yearly Criminal Law Seminar

To submit a resume for this position, please mail resume to following address or email:

Rick C. Shumaker, Chief Public Defender
424 West Broad Street
Texarkana, Texas 75501
Email: Rick.Shumaker@txkusa.org

All replies strictly confidential.

Attorneys Staff Public Defender Division

TRLA seeks experienced, felony-qualified attorneys for Lavaca County and its Bee County offices, Live Oak, McMullen, Refugio and Goliad counties. With caseload controls, staff investigators and a solid litigation budget, the program emphasizes zealous advocacy in a rural environment. The program costs are split equally between the state and the participating counties.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, with 180 attorneys, is the largest civil legal services program in the nation, covering a 68-county service area in Southwest Texas. Indigent defense services through the TRLA non-profit corporation began approximately ten years ago, and have now been extended to 8 counties. The non-profit arrangement establishes a strong measure of independence for defender staff, backed by a firm with a strong national reputation for zealous advocacy. TRLA provides its defender clients the full range of representation, both civil and criminal, including advice on the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction. A mental health component is being added to the program in the fall.

The primary responsibilities are:

• Serve as lead counsel of record in up to 50 felony cases, 100 misdemeanor cases, and 10 juvenile cases per year;
• Mentor less experienced attorneys in the program; and
• Try cases to a verdict.

Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or willing to take the next available Texas bar exam;
• One year of criminal litigation experience or comparable academic or clinical experience in criminal law;
• Have served as lead counsel in at least 3 felony trials before a jury;
• Experience with appeals;
• Preference for an attorney who is professionally functional in the Spanish language;
• Proficiency in the Windows operating system, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and legal research software; and
• Completion of six hours of continuing legal education in criminal law within the twelve months preceding service as a Public Defender staff attorney

to apply click below:
https://trla.wufoo.com/forms/r18n7vw20gxf1kp/

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 18-15), résumé, and representative writing sample, along with three 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 September 10, 2018, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

RESEARCH AND WRITING SPECIALIST

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

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of research and writing specialist, 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
The research and writing specialist position is an attorney position. Applicants must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; and (2) admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state. Spanish-language fluency is preferred for this position. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check.

Duties
The primary duties of a research and writing specialist include: (1) drafting motions, memoranda, briefs, and petitions to be filed in the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States; and (2) consulting with attorneys on legal issues arising in discovery, motion practice, trial, sentencing, and appeal. A research and writing specialist may be required to perform general paralegal duties, as well as other duties as assigned. The research and writing specialist is not an assistant federal public defender and does not ordinarily sign pleadings or make court appearances. The position requires occasional travel.

Selection Criteria
The successful applicant for research and writing specialist 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, and court and agency personnel. The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word processing skills, will be able to analyze legal issues from complex records, and will write clearly and concisely. Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.

Salary and Benefits
The starting salary for a research and writing specialist falls within a range of $50,598 (JSP-9, Step 1) to $121,280 (JSP-15, Step 1). The salary of the successful applicant will commensurate with the person’s 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, 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 19-02), résumé, and representative writing sample, along with 3 professional references. Legal 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. No electronic submissions will be considered. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are determined 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 October 5, 2018; subject to the availability of funds, and is open until filled.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

Assistant Public Defender II

Webb County Public Defenders Office
1110 Washington St. Ste. 102 Laredo, TX
Full-Time, Starting Salary: $73,955.87

Description
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

• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish.

How to apply

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERS (2)

Eastern District of Texas

The Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Texas is now accepting applications for one full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in Sherman, Texas, and one full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in Tyler, Texas. The Office of the Federal Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide representation in federal criminal matters in the federal courts.

Requirements and Qualifications
An Assistant Federal Defender must be a graduate of an accredited law school, a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, and licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Duties
An Assistant Federal Defender represents clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The positions may require travel for investigation, litigation and training. Federal Public Defender employees may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria
Successful applicants 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, staff, colleagues, and other individuals that they will come in contact with as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred, but not required.

Salary and Benefits
Salary dependent upon qualifications and experience, but comparable to that of Assistant United States Attorneys. The positions are excepted service and do not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement and the Thrift Savings Plan. The positions are subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay.

Application Information
Qualified persons are invited to apply by sending a letter of interest stating which position you are applying for and a resume listing at least three professional references no later than October 12, 2018 to: G. Patrick Black, Federal Public Defender, 110 North College, Suite 1122, Tyler, Texas 75702. Legal experience should be described in detail. The start date of this position is contingent upon availability of funds. Please, no telephone inquiries. Positions open until filled. 

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Texas is an equal opportunity employer.

Assistant Public Defender II

Webb County Public Defenders Office
1110 Washington St. Ste. 102 Laredo, TX
Full-Time, Starting Salary: $73,955.87

Description
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

• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish.

How to apply