Between $93k and

$98k

Per Year DOE (Depends on Experience)

Position range in Harris County $88k

• $226k Per Year Assistant Public Defender
• Mental Health Division
• Misdemeanor Division
• 77002
  HARRIS COUNTY
  

Occupation:

Lawyers

Location:

Houston, TX

• 77002
  

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment

Posted:

09/10/2026

Positions available: 1

Source:

WorkInTexas

Web Site:

WorkInTexas

Onsite /

Remote:

Work onsite all of the time

Updated:

09/13/2026

Expires:

10/10/2026

Job #: 17067211

Job Requirements and Properties

Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Work Onsite

Full Time Education

Specialized Degree (e.g. MD, DDS) Experience

1 Month(s) Schedule

Full Time Job Type

Regular Duration

Permanent Employment Public Transit

Available Benefits Help for . The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Misdemeanor Section of the Mental Health Division. Attorneys in the Misdemeanor Section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), or co-occurring conditions who are charged with offenses in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law.

Job type:

Regular Full-Time.

Shift:

Monday

• Friday, 8:00 AM
• 5:00 PM.

Location:

Houston, TX.

Job description:

Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda, and other pleadings in assigned cases. Collaborates with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialist, support staff, and other members of the defense team to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop effective defense strategies. Develops a working knowledge of civil and criminal statutes related to mental health, competency, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Maintains regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members or support systems, including frequent visits to the Harris County Jail, to ensure clients are informed and supported throughout the representation. Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge through disposition, including examining witnesses, presenting legal arguments and evidence, conducting pre-trial conferences, hearings, plea negotiations, and trials. Fosters a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, court personnel, and community partners. Participates in office training programs, continuing legal education, and other professional development opportunities. Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Harris County Public Defender's Office.

Academic Requirements:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Experience Requirements:

No minimum years specified; relevant legal experience implied.

Certifications:

Current license to practice law with the State Bar of Texas. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Licenses:

License to practice law in Texas.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must provide three professional references with their application.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Strong written and oral communication skills. Effective organizational and timemanagement abilities. Ability to manage a demanding caseload. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Salary:

$93,100

• 98,000/annually
• Depends on Qualifications.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Defined benefit retirement plan with a 225% employer match. Basic life and disability insurance. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Wellness incentives.

Background Requirements:

Must pass a drug screen and background check. Convictions reviewed casebycase; not automatically disqualifying. Physical examination may be required after an offer or conditional offer.