Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship – Fall 2027

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office: The Harris County Public Defender's Office (“HCPDO”) is one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, employing more than 350 professionals, including over 200 attorneys. Our office provides client-centered, holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Harris County through interdisciplinary teams that include attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and administrative professionals. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense through client-centered representation and interdisciplinary advocacy. Position Overview: The Harris County Public Defender's Office seeks graduating third-year law students (3Ls), recent law school graduates, and newly licensed Texas attorneys to join the Fall 2027 Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship. Fellows will participate in an intensive, structured training program designed to prepare new attorneys for the practice of indigent criminal defense through classroom instruction, courtroom observation, supervised advocacy, mentorship, and hands-on case experience. Fellows will work under the supervision of experienced public defenders while developing the knowledge, judgment, and advocacy skills necessary to transition into full-time Assistant Public Defender positions. Purpose of the Fellowship: The Post-Bar Attorney Fellowship serves as HCPDO's primary hiring pathway for entry-level Assistant Public Defenders. The fellowship is designed to prepare participants for full-time employment through structured training, supervised practice, and mentorship. HCPDO intends for fellows who successfully complete the program, obtain Texas licensure, and demonstrate satisfactory performance to transition into Assistant Public Defender positions, subject to office hiring needs. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of experienced Assistant Public Defenders, fellows will: Participate in and successfully complete the Post-Bar Fellowship Training Program, including classroom instruction, skills-based training, courtroom observation, and supervised advocacy. Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings. Assist attorneys with case investigation, discovery review, witness preparation, and defense strategy. Participate in client interviews, jail visits, and client counseling. Assist in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and reviewing evidence. Participate in court proceedings, including hearings, plea negotiations, and trials, as permitted under applicable law and supervision. Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, social workers, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and other interdisciplinary team members. Maintain confidentiality and comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and all office policies. Perform other duties as assigned. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net . This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Application Materials: Applicants must submit Resume Cover Letter Cover letters should address: Why you want to become a public defender. <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-r