Directs and manages the operations of an organizational section of the Public Defenders Office or co-directs the operation of a division under the direction of a higher level attorney or performs duties associated with high level and/or high profile cases (ex: Capital Murder) by providing all defense counsel services and serving as first or second-chair defense attorney at trial. Manages, evaluates, and trains public defenders and staff. Oversees operations including case assignments, docket call, and plea bargains or settlement negotiations. Performs case evaluation, preparation, and management. Represents the client in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials. Ensures effective communication with judges, prosecuting attorneys, court personnel, family members, witnesses, the general public, the media, and other interested parties. Conducts legal research, drafting legal documents, and interpreting laws, rules and regulations. Work is performed independently with general direction from the First Assistant.
Additional Notes about this Position:
This position will supervise the Capital Murder Division. As such, this role must meet all statutory and judicial requirements for representation in capital murder cases in the State of Texas. This includes eligibility for appointment in capital cases pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 26.052 and compliance with applicable Administrative Judicial Region qualification standards for death-penalty representation.
The managing attorney assigned to this position is expected to possess substantial experience in serious felony litigation, including homicide cases, and demonstrated proficiency in managing complex, high-stakes litigation involving potential sentences of death or life without parole. This position requires the ability to serve as lead or co-lead counsel in capital murder trials, as well as to provide legal and strategic oversight to attorneys assigned to capital cases.
In addition to standard supervisory responsibilities, this role will provide guidance on mitigation development, expert utilization, and trial preparation specific to capital litigation. The managing attorney in this role ensures that attorneys assigned to capital cases maintain required compliance with ethical and professional standards governing death-penalty representation.
This position will supervise two capital defense attorneys, two full-time investigators, and will have clerical support. The managing attorney overseeing the Capital Murder Division will be able to utilize the various resources of the second largest public defender in the state, including its full-time social workers, immigration attorneys, translators, mental health experts, and a robust roster of experienced defense attorneys.
This role requires close coordination with the judiciary, prosecutors, investigators, mitigation specialists, mental-health and forensic experts, and office leadership to ensure the effective, ethical, and constitutionally sound representation of indigent defendants charged with capital murder.
Management Scope: Directs/oversees staff and day-to-day operation of a section, including budget.
Education, Experience and Training:Graduation from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. Five (5) years
post-licensure 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.1. Directs and coordinates the overall division operation, including the court docket, which includes assigning cases and work to public defenders and/or staff.
2. May prepare budgetary input, attend management meetings, provide input on policies and procedures, and perform related operational management duties.
3. Supervises, evaluates, and trains staff.
4. Resolves disputes between the court, prosecuting attorneys, and staff and determines appropriate action to be taken for unusual or extremely serious or complex situations.
5. Ensures that records and documentation are accurate, up to date, and processed in accordance with standard procedures.
6. Evaluates appointed cases or lawsuits by: reviewing documentation; conducting necessary legal research on applicable law; interviewing clients, witnesses or persons with knowledge of the case; reviewing and gathering evidence, preparing investigative requests; and determining most appropriate action(s) to be taken.
7. Interviews clients, discusses facts of case, potential defenses and applicable laws and procedures.
8. Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and ensures clients are informed on status of case(s).
9. Drafts, files and responds to necessary motions, briefs or other legal documents for trial and/or hearing.
10. Gathers, prepares, reviews and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trial or hearing.
11. Represents the client in trial and at all applicable hearings by conducting jury selection, presenting opening statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and presenting closing arguments.
12. Participates in plea-bargain negotiations by preparing necessary legal documents and ensuring necessary signatures are secured and documents are filed as required.
13. Documents client files, prepares trial notebook, and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
14. Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel in legal all aspects of the criminal process; and speaks before community and citizens groups.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Salary: 11602.03
Maximum Salary: 14498.08
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