Directs and oversees the day-to-day operations of a division of the Public Defender’s Office (ex: Cape Murder Division). Represents, speaks for, and acts on behalf of the Public Defender when necessary. Provides advice and counsel to subordinate personnel and to the Chief Public Defender as needed. Supervises, evaluates, and trains public defenders and staff. Work involves both advanced legal work and administrative/managerial functions. Work is performed independently with only general guidance from the Chief or Assistant Public Defender. May provide defense counsel services and serve as first or second-chair defense attorney at trial.
This position (Specialized Group Chief) will report directly to the Chief Public Defender and will supervise the Capital Murder Division, the Appellate Division, the Immigration Division, and the Actual Innocence and Exoneration Unit. Candidates with capital murder trial and post conviction experience, specifically death penalty experience, will be preferred.
Management Scope: Directs/oversees staff and day-to-day operation of a division, including budget.
Education, Experience and Training:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. Six (6) years experience practicing law required.
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
None.
Disclaimers: This is an “at will” position with no civil service or other appellate rights. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
Standard office environment.
This position (Specialized Group Chief) will report directly to the Chief Public Defender and will supervise the Capital Murder Division, the Appellate Division, the Immigration Division, and the Actual Innocence and Exoneration Unit. Candidates with capital murder trial and post conviction experience, specifically death penalty experience, will be preferred.
1. Directs and coordinates the overall day-to-day operations of the division and ensures that policies and procedures are followed.
2. Supervises, evaluates, and trains staff.
3. Interviews applicants for selection and promotion.
4. Resolves disputes between the court, prosecuting attorneys and staff.
5. Determines appropriate action to be taken for unusual or extremely serious or complex situations.
6. Approves settlement or plea-bargain agreements.
7. Consults and confers with subordinate managerial personnel in order to: resolve problems; integrate and modify operational strategies, policies, and tactics; formulate responses to changing internal and external environmental conditions; and to develop and implement tactical plans, long range goals and objectives.
8. Prepares and approves budgetary input; attends management meetings; develops and provides input on policies and procedures; and performs related operational management duties.
9. Develops policies and procedures; conducts problem resolution and tactical and long-term planning; provides advice and counsel to the Chief Public Defender; and participates in the management of all operational aspects of the Public Defender’s Office.
10. Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel in legal aspects of the criminal justice system; and speaks before community and citizen groups.
11. Authorizes press conferences; presents information and answers questions at press conferences; and responds to the public or media’s requests for information.
12. Defends the most serious, complex, or highly visible cases; conducts legal research; drafts legal documents; and interprets laws, rules, and regulations.
13 Performs other duties as assigned.
Legal & Compliance (1)