Qureos Mentor

Brazos County Facilities Services

General Summary:This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony and misdemeanor cases. Primary responsibility to handle the misdemeanor case load and potentially felony-level controlled substance cases. Additional responsibilities to assist in felony caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed.Essential Duties:<ul><li>Legal Representation: The Public Defender I provides legal representation to clients who are unable to afford private attorneys. This involves handling a caseload of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and possibly some lower-level felonies. They conduct client interviews, review evidence, research legal issues, develop defense strategies, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent clients in court proceedings, such as arraignments, hearings, and trials.</li><li>Case Management: Public defenders are responsible for managing their caseload effectively and that does not exceed the Texas Indigent Defense Commission&rsquo;s Guidelines for Indigent Defense Caseloads. This includes organizing case files, tracking court dates and deadlines, and ensuring that necessary documentation and evidence are obtained and properly filed. A Public Defender I may work closely with case workers, investigators, and support staff to gather information, coordinate investigations, and prepare for court appearances.</li><li>Client Communication and Counseling: Public defenders establish and maintain regular communication with their clients. This involves in-person meetings with clients in jail, in the office, and sometimes at other locations. Public defenders explain legal processes, advise clients on their rights and options, and help manage expectations. A Public Defender I may provide counseling to clients, address their concerns, and make referrals to address any emotional or psychological needs related to their legal situation.</li><li>Legal Research and Writing: A Public Defender I conducts legal research to stay informed about relevant law, regulations, and legal precedents. They analyze cases, statutes, and legal opinions to develop effective defense strategies. Public defenders also draft legal motions, memoranda, and briefs to present arguments and advocate for their clients' rights and interests.</li><li>Courtroom Advocacy: Public defenders represent clients in court proceedings and advocate for their best interests. A Public Defender I may handle various court appearances, including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, motions hearings, and trials. They present evidence, examine witnesses, cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, make legal arguments, and deliver persuasive oral arguments to support their clients' defense.</li><li>Negotiations and Plea Bargaining: Public defenders engage in negotiations with prosecutors to reach plea agreements on behalf of their clients. A Public Defender I assesses the strength of the prosecution's case, evaluates potential defenses, and negotiates with the goal of securing favorable outcomes for their clients. They may engage in plea bargaining to obtain reduced charges, lower sentences, or alternative dispositions when appropriate.</li><li>Professional Development and Continuing Education: A Public Defender I engages in ongoing professional development and education to enhance their legal skills and knowledge. This may involve attending training programs, workshops, and seminars related to criminal law, trial advocacy, and defense strategies. They stay updated on changes in laws, legal procedures, and best practices to provide effective representation to their clients.</li></ul>Other Duties as assigned.Supervision Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender. Given:Education Required: Juris doctor degree from accredited law school. Law school graduates awaiting bar examination results will be considered but must have a supervised practice card, i.e., 3L bar card. Preferred:Experience Required: This position is a potential entry level position for a new attorney. Applicants applying out of law school should be able to demonstrate an interest in criminal law, community service, and/or providing legal services to the poor. Applicants should highlight criminal law courses, practice clinics, mock trial, and moot court experience. Preferred: 2 or more years of experience involving criminal representation in state courts<ul><li>First chair trial experience in at least one criminal jury trial taken to a verdict.</li></ul>Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required: Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or immediately eligible to obtain licensure through the Texas Board of Law Examiners Admission Without Examination (AWOX) process. (Applicants must review the TBLE AWOX requirements: https://ble.texas.gov/admission-without-examination).<ul><li>Law school applicants should be prepared to obtain a 3L bar card. Continued employment will be contingent on bar passage.</li><li>Valid driver&rsquo;s license</li></ul>Preferred:Physical Demands Typical: Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking, sitting, use of computer equipment, creating and moving paper files, operating a copy machine, walking to and from court as needed. Some driving may be necessary.Knowledge, Skills, &amp; Abilities Typical: Advanced computer, research and writing skills including trial advocacy, legal research and library skills. Verbal and written communication and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees and elected officials; skilled in problem solving and decision-making. Knowledge of trial procedures and rules of evidence. Knowledge of state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to area of assignment; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense.Work Environment Typical: Brazos County PDO attorneys are expected to use professional courtesy, discretion and sound judgment when engaging in contact with co-workers, clients, prosecutors, judges, other county employees and members of the pubic. Attorneys are also responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client information and business knowledge.Job Type: Full-timePay: Up to $6,115.19 per monthBenefits:<ul><li>401(k)</li><li>401(k) matching</li><li>Dental insurance</li><li>Employee assistance program</li><li>Flexible spending account</li><li>Health insurance</li><li>Life insurance</li><li>Paid time off</li><li>Retirement plan</li><li>Vision insurance</li></ul>People with a criminal record are encouraged to applyWork Location: In person

Public Defender I - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant

General Summary:The Mental Health Public Defender will provide specialized legal representation to clients with mental health issues who are involved in the criminal justice system. This role involves advocating for clients' legal rights and needs, coordinating with mental health professionals, and developing individualized defense strategies. The Mental Health Public Defender will work to ensure that clients receive appropriate treatment and support throughout the legal process.Essential Duties:<ul><li>Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender&rsquo;s Office.</li><li>Legal Representation: Represent clients with mental health issues in criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, and post-conviction matters. Conduct thorough legal research to develop defense strategies that consider clients' mental health conditions. Draft and file motions, briefs, and other legal documents as needed.</li><li>Case Management: Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' mental health and legal needs. Work closely with mental health professionals to obtain evaluations, treatment plans, and expert testimony. Develop and implement individualized defense strategies that incorporate mental health considerations.</li><li>Client Advocacy: Advocate for clients' access to mental health services, diversion programs, and alternative sentencing options. Communicate regularly with clients to explain legal processes, provide updates, and address concerns. Ensure clients' rights are protected and their voices are heard throughout the legal process.</li><li>Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate with mental health professionals, social workers, and other stakeholders to ensure holistic support for clients. Coordinate with other members of the Public Defender's Office to provide comprehensive legal representation. Stay informed about developments in mental health law and best practices for representing clients with mental health issues.</li><li>Training and Education: Provide training and support to other attorneys and staff on mental health issues and their impact on legal representation. Participate in continuing legal education to stay current on changes in mental health law and practice.</li><li>Prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.</li><li>Maintain awareness of new court decisions, laws, rules and regulations.</li><li>Meet with investigator(s) to monitor the progress of investigations.</li><li>Screen cases for potential conflicts.</li><li>Assist in the training of new and less experienced attorneys.</li><li>Prepare cases for court and conduct trials as assigned.</li><li>Provide narrative and descriptive entries in client files of opinions, impressions and facts collected.</li><li>Negotiate with prosecutors and others involved in the court process.</li><li>Advise clients on plea offers, options and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.</li><li>Advise clients of constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the potential direct and collateral consequences of a guilty plea.</li><li>Select juries, examine and cross examine witnesses, draft and argue jury instructions and argue cases to the jury.</li><li>Advise non-citizen clients of the specific immigration consequences of criminal convictions.</li><li>Attend conferences and stay current on legal updates.</li><li>Other Duties as assigned.</li></ul>Supervision Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender. Given: Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys. Will supervise case workers and investigators performing work on mental health caseload.Education Required: Juris doctor degree from accredited law school. Preferred:Experience Required: Five or more years of experience involving criminal representation in state courts.<ul><li>Significant experience dealing with criminal matters involving mental health, CCP 46B, CCP 46C, civil commitment, mental health law, and other legal matters related to the intersect between persons with mental illness and the criminal justice system.</li><li>Preferred:</li></ul>Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required: Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, Valid driver&rsquo;s license Preferred: Board certification in Criminal LawPhysical Demands Typical: Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking, sitting, use of computer equipment, creating and moving paper files, operating a copy machine, walking to and from court as needed. Some driving may be necessary.Knowledge, Skills, &amp; Abilities Typical: Advanced computer, research and writing skills including trial advocacy, legal research and library skills. Verbal and written communication and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees and elected officials; skilled in problem solving and decision-making. Must have high degree of case evaluation and advocacy skills. Knowledge of trial procedures and rules of evidence. Advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to area of assignment; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense.Work Environment Typical: Brazos County PDO attorneys are expected to use professional courtesy, discretion and sound judgment when engaging in contact with co-workers, clients, prosecutors, judges, other county employees and members of the pubic. Attorneys are also responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client information and business knowledge.Job Type: Full-timePay: Up to $110,251.00 per yearBenefits:<ul><li>401(k)</li><li>401(k) matching</li><li>Dental insurance</li><li>Employee assistance program</li><li>Flexible spending account</li><li>Health insurance</li><li>Life insurance</li><li>Paid time off</li><li>Retirement plan</li><li>Vision insurance</li></ul>People with a criminal record are encouraged to applyWork Location: In person

Public Defender - Mental Health

General Summary:This position leads and manages the juvenile division of the public defender's office, providing oversight and strategic direction to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services to indigent juvenile defendants. The Chief Juvenile Public Defender is responsible for handling a caseload of complex and high-profile juvenile cases, supervising junior attorneys and support staff, and representing the office in various forums. Essential Duties: The essential duties of a juvenile defender in a public defender's office involve providing legal representation and advocacy for juvenile clients throughout the legal process. Here are some key duties:Leadership and Management: Oversee the operations of the juvenile division, including case assignments, workflow, and performance evaluations. Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of juvenile defense services.<ul><li>Legal Representation: Provide competent and zealous legal representation to juvenile clients in complex and potentially high-profile cases. Conduct interviews, gather information, and assess the legal and factual aspects of each case.</li></ul><ul><li>Case Assessment: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of cases, including examining evidence, reviewing police reports, and identifying potential legal defenses. Develop appropriate legal strategies tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each juvenile client.</li></ul><ul><li>Courtroom Advocacy: Represent clients in court proceedings, including detention hearings, adjudication hearings, disposition hearings, and any other relevant court appearances. Present arguments, question witnesses, introduce evidence, and advocate for the best interests of clients.</li></ul><ul><li>Collaborative Work: Work closely with other professionals in the juvenile justice system, such as probation officers, social workers, and mental health professionals. Collaborate to develop comprehensive defense strategies that address the unique needs and circumstances of each juvenile client.</li></ul><ul><li>Client Counseling and Guidance: Provide guidance and support to clients, explaining the legal process, potential consequences, and available options. Help clients understand their rights and make informed decisions regarding their cases.</li></ul><ul><li>Rehabilitation and Treatment Advocacy: Advocate for appropriate rehabilitation and treatment services for clients. Work to secure access to educational programs, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, counseling, or other interventions aimed at addressing underlying issues and promoting positive development.</li></ul><ul><li>Supervision and Training: Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, providing training and guidance to develop their skills and knowledge. Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and professional development of attorneys within the juvenile division.</li></ul>Other Duties as assigned.Supervision Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender. Given: Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys.Education Required: Juris doctor degree from accredited law school. Preferred:Experience Required: Five or more years of experience involving representation of juvenile clients in state courts Preferred: Experience training and mentoring of younger attorneys. Demonstrated leadership and management experience. Experience handling complex and high-profile juvenile cases.Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required: Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, Valid driver&rsquo;s license Preferred: Board certification in Juvenile LawPhysical Demands Typical: Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking, sitting, use of computer equipment, creating and moving paper files, operating a copy machine, walking to and from court as needed. Some driving may be necessary.Knowledge, Skills, &amp; Abilities Typical: Advanced computer, research and writing skills including trial advocacy, legal research and library skills. Verbal and written communication and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees and elected officials; skilled in problem solving and decision-making. Must have high degree of case evaluation and advocacy skills. Knowledge of trial procedures and rules of evidence. Advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to juveniles who have been arrested or detained in a criminal matter; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense.Work Environment Typical: Brazos County PDO attorneys are expected to use professional courtesy, discretion and sound judgment when engaging in contact with co-workers, clients, prosecutors, judges, other county employees and members of the pubic. Attorneys are also responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client information and business knowledge.Job Type: Full-timePay: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00 per yearBenefits:<ul><li>401(k)</li><li>401(k) matching</li><li>Dental insurance</li><li>Employee assistance program</li><li>Flexible spending account</li><li>Health insurance</li><li>Life insurance</li><li>Paid time off</li><li>Vision insurance</li></ul>People with a criminal record are encouraged to applyWork Location: In person

Juvenile Chief Public Defender - Juvenile and Appellate Public Defender

General Summary: Prepares for and takes to trial assigned cases; performs new case intake and screening, including determining type of indictment, gathering evidence, conferring with witnesses and law enforcement officials, and preparing subpoenas; requests assistance from investigators assigned to cases; prepares for and attends arraignments, grand juries, pre trial hearings, and revocation hearings; makes plea bargain offers to defendants; and prepares paperwork required for court proceedings. This is a position that periodically rotates through all office divisions, including trial court, intake, appellate and juvenile.QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Essential Duties: Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Prepares and presents assigned cases to Grand Jury for indictment;Prosecutes felony criminal cases before juries and District Courts, including preparation of instructions and papers;Handles all pretrial matters in cases, including appearing at all arraignments for assigned cases, prosecuting applications for denial or reduction of bail, filing witness list for trials, filing all notices required by law, negotiating plea bargain offers with the defense attorney, providing defense attorneys with all discovery required by law, and prosecuting all examining trials and applications for dismissal;Answers all pretrial motions, motions to suppress, and challenges to the constitutionality of statutes under which the defendant is prosecuted;Leads case investigations, including reviewing police reports and statements of witnesses, determining if an offense was committed and the grade of the offense, determining needs for further investigation, and making requests to investigator;Prepares assigned cases for bench or jury trial, including drafting motions, preparing writs, drafting witness questions, preparing charts, diagrams, and exhibits for the trial of the case, and preparing opening and closing statements;Performs investigative functions, including locating and interviewing victims and essential witnesses, preparing the witnesses to testify, and obtaining information by subpoenas and warrants;Performs legal research regarding the offense and issues surrounding a case, including preparing memoranda for the court on legal issues that arise in the course of a trial;Performs responsibilities related to Grand Jury, including preparing indictments, presenting cases, meeting Grand Jury's requests for further investigation or witnesses' testimony, and processing the judgments;Prepares orders for the trial court on pretrial matters, such as suggested findings of fact and conclusions of law;Requests subpoenas for witnesses, records, and evidence for Grand Juries, pretrial hearings, and trials;Makes applications for bench warrants for witnesses incarcerated out of the county;Performs post trial procedures, such as answering motions for new trial, arguing cases on a motion for new trial, and interviewing jurors on issues of jury misconduct;Researches and writes appellate briefs;Reviews probation revocation issues with Adult Probation office staff; andReviews docket with court staff.Other Duties as assigned.Supervision Received: Given:Education Required: Requires juris doctor degree, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred:Experience Required: Requires juris doctor degree, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred:Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required: State of Texas law license. Preferred:Physical Demands Typical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as files, stacks of records, or other similar objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.Knowledge, Skills, &amp; Abilities Typical: Criminal law and procedure; constitutional law; prosecution of felony criminal cases; legal research and writing; persuasive speaking techniques; and personal computers. Perform legal research and writing; instruct others in the law and facts of a case; present facts of a case clearly to judges and juries; make convincing oral arguments; operate computers, especially to perform word processing functions; organize many details of cases; communicate effectively, both in person and over the phone; and maintain effective working relationships with other prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges.Work Environment Typical: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to work under time pressure to complete tasks, to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, to work closely with others as a part of a team, to switch from one task to another, to perform tedious and exacting work, and to work overtime and/or an irregular schedule. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, occasionally it may be loud.Job Type: Full-timePay: Up to $3,570.01 per monthBenefits:<ul><li>401(k)</li><li>401(k) matching</li><li>Dental insurance</li><li>Employee assistance program</li><li>Flexible spending account</li><li>Health insurance</li><li>Life insurance</li><li>Paid time off</li><li>Retirement plan</li><li>Vision insurance</li></ul>People with a criminal record are encouraged to applyWork Location: In person

Assistant District Attorney I

Join Brazos County Facilities Services and explore 4   exciting career opportunities. They're hiring for various roles with options for remote or on-site work. Apply today and become part of their innovative team.

Brazos County Facilities Services

ABOUT_COMPANY

Public Defender I - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant

Public Defender - Mental Health

Juvenile Chief Public Defender - Juvenile and Appellate Public Defender

Assistant District Attorney I