Government
Lubbock, TX
Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Lubbock, TX
Attorney
Min 5 yrs required
No
Job Title: Assistant Public Defender
Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant Public Defender is tasked with providing legal representation for capital defendants in criminal proceedings, ensuring their constitutional rights are upheld. Appointed by the Chief Public Defender, the role involves acting as lead counsel in some cases and overseeing the preparation, presentation, and disposition of cases in line with the . Guidelines and the State Bar of Texas Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases Guidelines. Key responsibilities include:
- Embracing the Mission, Vision, and Values of the department.
- Working effectively within a team-oriented environment.
- Providing legal advice to clients and interviewing clients and witnesses to gather necessary information for defense preparation.
- Investigating intellectual disability claims unless ruled out.
- Engaging in plea negotiations with prosecutors and advising clients on plea offers and trial prospects.
- Directing case development with the fact investigator, mitigation specialist, and legal assistant, preparing both guilt/innocence and punishment cases.
- Documenting work through memos, trial notebook entries, and emails as needed.
- Seeking necessary court funding for outside expert assistance in defense preparation.
- Conducting legal research and reviewing case discovery and investigative materials promptly.
- Drafting legal documents such as briefs, motions, orders, subpoenas, and reports.
- Identifying affirmative or de facto defenses and tactical procedural choices for clients.
- Preparing cases for trial from the date of appointment, including maintaining a trial notebook.
- Attempting to resolve cases with outcomes less severe than the death penalty.
- Recording narrative and descriptive entries in client files regarding opinions, impressions, and collected facts.
- Preserving potential appellate points and constitutional law records related to the death penalty.
- Advising clients on constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the direct and collateral consequences of guilty pleas, including immigration consequences for non-citizens.
- Selecting juries, examining and cross-examining witnesses, drafting and arguing jury instructions, and arguing cases to the jury.
- Collaborating with other attorneys and staff on assigned cases.
- Responding to communications from clients' family members, district attorneys, courts, and court staff.
- Demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and collaboration from case appointment to resolution.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must possess a . from an accredited law school and meet the following qualifications:
- Be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas or obtain a Texas license within six months of hiring.
- Exhibit exceptional trial skills and a commitment to excellence in client representation.
- Have trial experience involving mental health or forensic expert witnesses and presenting mitigating evidence at the penalty phase of death penalty trials.
- Possess at least five years of experience in criminal law, demonstrating the legal knowledge and skill necessary for capital felonies representation, applied with thoroughness and preparation.
- Have led a significant number of felony trials to verdict, including homicide trials and other first or second-degree felonies or capital felonies, preferably homicide cases.
- Have participated in continuing legal education courses or training related to criminal defense, with a willingness to attend CLE for death penalty cases.
- Provide documentation of death penalty cases tried to verdict and/or felony trial experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of relevant criminal, state, federal, and international law, both procedural and substantive, with a commitment to learning laws governing capital cases.
- Skilled in interviewing individuals for fact determination and developing effective defense strategies.
- Proficient in case analysis, legal principle application, and presenting legal arguments clearly and logically.
- Competent in presenting effective defenses in court and preparing clear legal arguments, preserving records for appeal and habeas counsel.
- Experienced in managing and conducting complex negotiations and litigation.
- Skilled in legal research, document drafting, oral advocacy, and using expert witnesses.
- Familiar with forensic investigation areas such as fingerprints, ballistics, forensic pathology, and DNA evidence.
- Capable of investigating, preparing, and presenting mitigating evidence in felony cases.
- Proficient in trial advocacy elements such as jury selection, cross-examination, and opening and closing statements.
- Able to manage multiple cases simultaneously and communicate effectively with diverse groups using tact and diplomacy.
- Adaptable to handling highly stressful capital murder cases and rapidly changing situations.
- Proficient in using computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic office equipment.
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, external organizations, attorneys, media, and the public.
- Compliant with department policies, procedures, and methods.
- Initiative-driven, able to self-start, and willing to seek help when needed.
- Willing to work reflecting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the department.
- Demonstrates positive office behavior regarding time, attendance, attitude, teamwork, and cooperation with administration.
- Willing to travel overnight, possibly for extended periods during trials or key times.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
- Must be able to lift/carry 25 pounds occasionally.
- Requires visual acuity, speech, and hearing, as well as hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and office equipment.
- Subject to sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and handling to perform essential functions.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, liability insurance as required by law, and be able to safely operate a vehicle in line with job requirements.
Salary Information:
The position offers a salary of $125,000, depending on experience (.).
Jun 16, 2025
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May 13, 2025
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