Job Description

Directs and manages the operations of an organizational section of the Public Defenders Office or co-directs the operation of a division under the direction of a higher level attorney or performs duties associated with high level and/or high profile cases (ex: Capital Murder) by providing all defense counsel services and serving as first or second-chair defense attorney at trial. Manages, evaluates, and trains public defenders and staff. Oversees operations including case assignments, docket call, and plea bargains or settlement negotiations. Performs case evaluation, preparation, and management. Represents the client in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials. Ensures effective communication with judges, prosecuting attorneys, court personnel, family members, witnesses, the general public, the media, and other interested parties. Conducts legal research, drafting legal documents, and interpreting laws, rules and regulations. Work is performed independently with general direction from the First Assistant.

Management Scope: Directs/oversees staff and day-to-day operation of a section, including budget.

Attorney VI - Supervising Attorney, Capital Murder Division

Position Overview

The Dallas County Public Defender's Office is seeking an experienced and dedicated Attorney VI to serve as the Supervising Attorney of the Capital Murder Division. This attorney will work under the supervision of the Specialized Group Chief and the Chief Public Defender, providing leadership, mentorship, and direct representation in the office's most complex and high-stakes felony litigation.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned trial attorney to lead a close-knit, collaborative team dedicated to providing robust and ethical representation to indigent defendants facing Capital Murder charges.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as one of two first-chair attorneys who are the primary point of contact for the District Attorney's Office and the judiciary on capital and complex felony matters.
• First-chair Murder and other homicide cases immediately upon joining the unit, with additional specialized training provided on Capital Murder litigation and procedure.
• Supervise and mentor the division's Attorney V, investigative staff, and administrative support, with the fellow Attorney VI working primarily independently.
• Regularly interface with the courts throughout the appointment process for indigent defense cases.
• Coordinate closely with clients and families, the judiciary, prosecutors, investigators, experts, and office leadership to ensure zealous and effective representation.
• Foster the division's collaborative culture, in which every team member contributes to each case regardless of who serves as lead counsel.

Qualifications

• Substantial litigation experience in criminal court- quality and depth of experience are prioritized over sheer caseload volume.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex felony litigation independently and to first-chair serious violent offense cases.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with a genuine commitment to team-based, collaborative practice.
• Excellent judgment, professionalism, and communication skills for regular engagement with courts, prosecutors, and outside stakeholders.
• Commitment to the ethical and constitutional principles underlying indigent defense.

Your Team

As Supervising Attorney, you won't be alone. You'll be supported by a dedicated, specialized team built to help you deliver outstanding representation:

• Attorney VI (First Chair Attorney) - a fellow experienced litigator sharing case leadership responsibilities.
• Attorney V (Second Chair Attorney) - a skilled, client-facing attorney providing trial support and continuity of representation.
• Two dedicated investigators, including one investigator with experience in death penalty case investigation and one dedicated mitigation investigator.
• Administrative support staff to help manage case logistics and daily operations.
• In-house access to translators and mental health professionals, ensuring the team has the resources needed to serve clients and their families effectively.

Why Join Us

Practicing at the Dallas County Public Defender's Office means focusing on what matters most: your clients and your craft. As a salaried public defender, you'll never have to worry about billing hours or handling office accounting - allowing you to dedicate your full attention to litigation and case strategy.

In addition to meaningful, mission-driven work, Dallas County offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Robust retirement benefits through the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS).
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Ongoing professional development and specialized capital litigation training.
• A collaborative, well-resourced team environment built to support sustainable, high-quality indigent defense.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and detailed list of relevant trial experience.

Responsibilities

1. Directs and coordinates the overall division operation, including the court docket, which includes assigning cases and work to public defenders and/or staff.

2. May prepare budgetary input, attend management meetings, provide input on policies and procedures, and perform related operational management duties.

3. Supervises, evaluates, and trains staff.

4. Resolves disputes between the court, prosecuting attorneys, and staff and determines appropriate action to be taken for unusual or extremely serious or complex situations.

5. Ensures that records and documentation are accurate, up to date, and processed in accordance with standard procedures.

6. Evaluates appointed cases or lawsuits by: reviewing documentation; conducting necessary legal research on applicable law; interviewing clients, witnesses or persons with knowledge of the case; reviewing and gathering evidence, preparing investigative requests; and determining most appropriate action(s) to be taken.

7. Interviews clients, discusses facts of case, potential defenses and applicable laws and procedures.

8. Explains legal process to potential witnesses, prepares witnesses for court testimony, and ensures clients are informed on status of case(s).

9. Drafts, files and responds to necessary motions, briefs or other legal documents for trial and/or hearing.

10. Gathers, prepares, reviews and presents evidence, exhibits, and related material for trial or hearing.

11. Represents the client in trial and at all applicable hearings by conducting jury selection, presenting opening statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and presenting closing arguments.

12. Participates in plea-bargain negotiations by preparing necessary legal documents and ensuring necessary signatures are secured and documents are filed as required.

13. Documents client files, prepares trial notebook, and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.

14. Conducts presentations at conferences and seminars; instructs law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel in legal all aspects of the criminal process; and speaks before community and citizens groups.

15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. Five (5) years post-licensure experience practicing law required.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

None.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

Standard office environment.