Staff Public Defender

Job overview

The Staff Public Defender role is based in Eagle Pass, TX, with at least three days per week in person at the office or court. Salary is $85,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience. Texas RioGrande Public Defender provides client-centered representation to indigent defendants in rural South Texas, including support for clients’ distinct needs and limited resources. The attorney represents clients from intake through case resolution, including pretrial proceedings, trials, appeals, and motion practice as needed. The work contributes to robust defense representation through case investigation, litigation, and collaboration with investigators and support staff.

What you'll do

• Defend indigent clients facing felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile charges
• review case facts, videos, and physical evidence
• draft and review motions and legal documents
• confer with prosecutors, law enforcement, and witnesses
• litigate appointed cases from intake to final resolution
• manage confidential information
• maintain case files
• participate in meetings and training
• provide client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy
• collaborate with colleagues.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

staff public defender

criminal defense

indigent defense

client-centered advocacy

trial litigation

texas bar

eagle pass tx

texas riogrande public defender

$85k–$110k/year

rural south texas

trauma-informed advocacy

public defense

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Law-school loan repayment, paid leave, healthcare insurance, retirement plan, and training and travel stipends.

Why this role

Must be licensed to practice law in Texas or able to waive into the Texas bar. The posting prefers candidates willing to live in or near Eagle Pass and with at least two years of criminal-defense experience; law-school loan repayment and training and travel stipends are included in the benefits package.

About the employer

Texas Rio Grande Public Defender is hiring for this role. Industry: Legal Counsel and Prosecution. Sector: 92.