Assistant Public Defender I

Summary

Under general direction of the Chief Public Defender, is responsible for preparing and trying criminal cases; supervises support staff; conducts legal research; negotiates plea bargain agreements; represents indigent defendants in criminal cases; and performs related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises support staff in the operational aspects of preparing, trying, and otherwise resolving criminal cases
• Supervises support staff in the technical aspects of preparing legal motions, briefs, and correspondence to ensure accuracy and professional correctness
• May consult with expert witnesses, investigators, prosecuting attorneys, judges and their staffs, on issues related to misdemeanor criminal cases
• Prepares and responds to motions and briefs as appropriate in State courts of Bexar County, Texas
• Researches statutory and case law
• Prepares clients and witnesses for testimony at pretrial hearings and trials
• Evaluates factual legal claims and creates strategies to further clients' defense
• Reviews police reports and discovery materials
• Confers with prosecuting attorneys regarding plea negotiations and case information
• Prepares, reviews, edits, and approves legal documents prepared by clerical staff
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence
• Good knowledge of criminal defense procedures and techniques; knowledge of plea bargaining and negotiation; good knowledge of the criminal justice system; good knowledge of case law; some knowledge of medical and mental health terminology as relevant; good written and oral communication skills required
• Effective organizational and time management skills required to successfully execute job duties
• Good trial skills are required
• Skill in supervising non-attorney employees; skill in legal research; skill in negotiation; skill in making presentations; skill to communicate effectively with hostile, abusive and irrational individuals
• Ability to ascertain factual information from conflicting or purposely inaccurate data; ability to communicate effectively with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals; ability to organize and present facts and legal arguments, with supporting logic, in a courtroom setting; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to operate personal computer; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside agencies and the general public
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and maintain good standing with State Bar of Texas
• Must possess the skill to manage a demanding caseload of cases assigned
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
• Must secure and maintain a pre-employment physical
• Must have valid driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

• Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 10-15 lbs. occasionally; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, reaching and handling to perform the essential functions
• Working conditions are primarily in an office environment

Supplemental Information