Felony Qualified Public Defender

Texas RioGrande Public Defender

Public Defender providing zealous, holistic defense for indigent clients in Texas. Role involves case preparation, litigation from intake to resolution, and collaboration within the legal team.

Posted 6/25/2026full-timeGoliad • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $90,000 - $100,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide zealous and holistic defense for indigent persons accused of criminal charges ranging from serious level felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases
Review case facts, examine videos and physical case evidence for legal sufficiency
Prepare, draft, and review motions and other legal documents that conform to current statutes, legislation, and case law
Confer with prosecutors, law enforcement, and witnesses regarding any necessary case investigation and trial preparation
Litigate appointed cases from intake to final resolution, including pretrial, trial, appeals, and additional motion practice, as needed
Manage confidential legal information and documents
Participate in the agency, division, and program meetings and training
Maintain case files and documentation in accordance with agency and division policies
Follow current trends and innovations in indigent defense
Provide client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy
Collaborate with colleagues in their team, program, and division to contribute to a supportive work environment

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be licensed to practice law in Texas, able to waive into the Texas bar, or willing to take the next available bar exam
Students in their final year of law school or new grads are welcome to apply before they take the bar exam or while they are waiting for results
Proficiency in Office 365, legal research software, and other case management systems
Preferred applicants will demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense and criminal justice reform; have worked or interned in a public defender office; have strong academic credentials; are solution-oriented and creative; are able to work efficiently independently and in a team environment; can assess and prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively in high-stress situations

Benefits

Comp & perks

law school loan repayment
generous paid leave
healthcare insurance
retirement plan
training & travel stipends

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

legal researchmotion draftingcase litigationtrial preparationevidence examinationcase management

Soft Skills

client-centered advocacytrauma-informed advocacysolution-orientedcreative problem-solvingteam collaborationindependent worktask prioritizationhigh-stress situation management

Certifications

licensed to practice law in TexasTexas bar exam eligibility