Summary/Objective Interested Attorneys:

This contract position provides legal services to indigent defendants in criminal cases in the 475th District Court of Smith County, Texas. The contract starts on October 1st, 2026, it will expire on September 30th, 2027. How can I Review the

Potential Contract:

In order to provide interested Attorneys the opportunity to consider how taking on the contractual commitment to serve in criminal cases in the 475th District Court of Smith County, Texas will impact their current workflow, those Attorneys may request to view a copy of the potential contract by setting up an appointment with Human Resources. Contact number for Human Resources (903) 590-4644. Duties and Responsibilities Provide quality, effective, competent, zealous legal representation to all clients in a professional, skilled manner consistent with the attorney's responsibilities under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and all applicable laws. Ensure continuity of representation of the client unless relieved or replaced in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 26.04(j)(2). Submit a monthly report to be approved by the Appointing Authority, in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 26.05. Required Skills and Abilities For the purpose of providing legal services to indigent defendants in felony criminal cases in the 475th District Court of Smith County, Texas, an applicant's eligibility will be based on the criteria established by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 26.04 and the Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 8, Chapter 174. Maintains the minimum qualifications to practice law in the State of Texas Consistently demonstrates commitment to providing effective assistance of counsel and quality representation to criminal defendants Has not been sanctioned by a court for failure to appear Maintains his or her principal office in Smith County (A principal office is the commercial location where the attorney conducts the majority of his or her criminal law practice and does not include a post office address) Maintain a secretary, receptionist, answering service or daily monitored answering machine or voicemail system at his or her principal Smith County office Maintain a current listing in the Tyler, Texas telephone book and/or in directory assistance All contract attorneys must make every reasonable effort to contact any court-appointed client not later than the end of the first working day after the date on which the attorney is appointed and to interview the defendant as soon as practicable after the attorney is appointed. How will Applications be

Evaluated:

In addition to the criteria noted above, the following factors will be considered when evaluating applications: Experience and qualifications of the applicant; Applicant's past performance in representing defendants in criminal cases; Applicant's disciplinary history with the state bar; Applicant's ability to comply with the terms of the contract; and Cost of the services under the contract. Note on

Classification and Benefits:

This is a freelance, independent contractor position. The selected contractor will not be deemed an employee of the Smith County for any purpose. Consequently, you will not be eligible for any employee benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, or expense reimbursements provided to regular staff. Contractors are responsible for providing their own equipment, managing their own schedules, and paying all required federal, state, and self-employment taxes.