Salary: $85,488.00 Annually
Location : 1110 Washington St. Ste.102 Laredo, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY26-00012
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary The purpose of this position is to represent defendants in Webb County criminal courts, ensure that their rights are respected and goals are addressed, and obtain the best possible outcome for them within an always-evolving criminal legal framework.
Employees work under general supervision, independently developing their cases.
Major Duties - Interviews and counsels clients in order to understand their goals and advise them on all matters related to their criminal cases.
- Reviews and fully understands police reports, law enforcement videos, and all other evidence related to clients' cases in order to identify all potential mitigating and aggravating factors affecting their cases.
- Organizes and manages a large, ever-changing caseload in order to meet standards of competent representation and handle hearings effectively.
- Negotiates with prosecutors, informing them of specific client or case circumstances and the defense's perspectives, to increase favorable outcomes for our clients.
- Researches case law and special legal issues in order to provide competent and vigorous representation for our clients.
- Drafts legal motions, requests, and responses and files them in a timely manner.
- Remains informed of relevant court decisions, new legislation, policies, procedures, and changes to rules and regulations.
- Collaborates and strategizes with other defense attorneys to prepare legal strategy on behalf of our clients.
- Represents clients in court through litigation, making appropriate announcements, eliciting testimony, arguing motions, and ensuring the court has relevant information.
- Screens clients for potential referrals to specialty courts, social workers, or immigration attorneys.
- Performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge of local, state, and federal law.
- Knowledge of investigative tools and techniques.
- Knowledge of trial proceedings.
- Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
- Proficient in oral and written communication.
- Skill in the completion of legal research.
- Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.
- Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing in the Spanish language is preferred but not required.
Minimum Qualifications - Juris Doctorate Degree.
- One year of practicing law or related experience.
- Current membership in the State Bar of Texas or eligibile for a temporary bar card while awaiting bar results.
Supplemental Information Physical Demands/Work EnvironmentOccasionally
- Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.
- Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
- Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
- Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
- Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
- Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.
- Working in noisy environments.
- Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.
Constantly
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
- Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
Other Requirements/Information- Must possess a valid and current Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving history. *If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver's License must be obtained prior to employment.
- The Webb County Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this position. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and a criminal background check are required.
- If applicable, this position may be covered by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations and, therefore, may be subject to those rules and regulations in addition to all other Webb County policies.
- If applicable, this position may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job.
- For positions funded in whole or in part through a grant award, employment is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds and compliance with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the applicable grant agreement. Compensation, benefits, and leave accruals, including vacation, sick leave, and other paid leave, may be subject to grant-specific requirements, to the extent permitted by applicable law and County policy.
The reduction, expiration, or termination of grant funding may result in the modification or elimination of a grant-funded position. - This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Webb County provides a variety of benefits available to employees.
Please visit the Risk Management website for more details.
The following list of benefits is offered
only to benefits-eligible employees in
Full-Time positions:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Wellness Program
- Life Insurance
- Ancillary products
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Employee Clinic*
- Vacation and sick leave
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
- Sixteen (16) County-observed holidays and four (4) personal holidays
- Retirement benefits (TCDRS)**
*Available to ALL employees
**Available to Permanent Part-Time employees
01
Do you have a Juris Doctorate's Degree?
02
Do you have at least one ( 1 ) year of practicing law or related experience?
03
Do you have a current membership with the State Bar of Texas or are you eligible for a temporary bar card while awaiting bar results?
04
Do you possess a valid and current Texas Driver's License or an out-of-state driver's license?
- Yes, I have a valid and current Texas Driver's License or an out-of-state driver's license.
- No, I do not have a valid or current Texas Driver's License or an out-of-state driver's license.
05
Please confirm your understanding that if selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be required to provide a high school diploma, a GED certificate, college transcript from an accredited institution, and/or other documentation of achievement (whichever is applicable) prior to being hired. (We highly recommend you begin obtaining documentation to avoid delays in the hiring process if applicable)
- Yes, I understand this requirement and would be able to provide required documentation prior to hire.
- No, I would not be able to provide required documentation.
Required Question
