Attorney I - Mental Health Division - Public Defender - Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County is ranked as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.  We have capitalized on not only the creed of our location, but on the "quality of life" for our families to call home.  Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation.  The diversity and inclusivity of our community is our strength and at the forefront of a workplace environment welcoming to all.  Live Here! Work Here!

JOB SUMMARY:

Reviews, investigates, and provides legal representation for or ensures Indigent mentally ill clients are represented in misdemeanor and felony court proceedings and ensures their constitutional rights are upheld.  Participates in preparation, presentation and disposition of cases.  Participates in planning of programs, policies or objectives for own work group and department.

• Performs legal research.  Searches resources and studies legal records and documents to obtain information applicable to case or issue under consideration.  
• Drafts briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, contracts and other legal documents, as well as correspondence and reports. 
• Takes depositions, responds to discovery requests, oversees the creation and issuance of legal documents including subpoenas, motions, orders, writs, warrants, contracts, official polices, and other related documents.  
• Prepares cases for trial.  Collects, organizes and prepares evidence, information and other legal materials.   
• Represents indigent adults in misdemeanor hearings and court appearances. 
• Participates in activities and duties related to emergency management during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school.  
• One year experience in felony and misdemeanor defense case work.  Recent graduates may be considered with related internship experience.
• 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. 
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. 

SALARY RANGE: $80,912.00 - $101,129.60 annually based on qualifications

CLOSING DATE:  Upon filling position

To be considered for employment, all interested candidates must complete the required Fort Bend County online employment application located at www.fortbendcounty.jobs

All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.

Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected military and veteran status, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other classification protected by state, federal  and local  laws, unless  such classification is a bona fide occupational qualification.

For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI / Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply

Fort Bend County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. FBC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.