Public Defender - Mental Health

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:

• Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender’s Office.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.
• Maintain awareness of new court decisions, laws, rules and regulations.
• Meet with investigator(s) to monitor the progress of investigations.
• Screen cases for potential conflicts.
• Assist in the training of new and less experienced attorneys.
• Prepare cases for court and conduct trials as assigned.
• Provide narrative and descriptive entries in client files of opinions, impressions and facts collected.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and others involved in the court process.
• Advise clients on plea offers, options and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.
• Advise clients of constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the potential direct and collateral consequences of a guilty plea.
• Select juries, examine and cross examine witnesses, draft and argue jury instructions and argue cases to the jury.
• Advise non-citizen clients of the specific immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
• Attend conferences and stay current on legal updates.
• 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. 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.

• 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.
• Preferred:

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Required: Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, Valid driver’s license
Preferred: Board certification in Criminal Law

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, & 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-time

Pay: Up to $110,251.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person