Description:
Position Description:The Texas Tech University School of Law invites applications for a full-time, 12-month Lecturer/ First Assistant Public Defender who will be responsible for assisting with the operations and administration of the Caprock Regional Public Defender Office and providing legal representation of defendants in criminal proceedings.
While appointed to this position, you will accrue vacation and will be required to report leave monthly following TTU's Operating Policy 70.01 and TTU System Regulation 07.12. Since you will accrue vacation, you will follow a staff holiday schedule, which is available here: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/empbenefits/holidayschedule.php
About the University
Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.
Major/Essential Functions:
- The First Assistant Public Defender is a leadership position responsible for providing high-level legal representation to indigent defendants while overseeing the preparation and disposition of criminal cases across the office's multi-county service area. This role combines direct client representation with supervisory and administrative responsibilities, including training and mentoring student attorneys.
- Serves as lead counsel in criminal proceedings, including felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases
- Conducts client interviews and provides legal counsel regarding constitutional rights, plea negotiations, and case strategies
- Prepares and presents cases for trial, including jury selection, witness examination, and oral arguments
- Drafts legal documents including briefs, motions, orders, and subpoenas
- Performs comprehensive legal research and case analysis
- Advises clients on direct and collateral consequences of pleas, including immigration implications for non-citizens
- Preserves issues for appeal and ensures constitutional rights are protected
- Engages in exemplary client communication
- Assists in the supervision, training, and mentorship of student attorneys in developing trial advocacy skills
- Assists in ensuring student attorneys understand trial theory development and execution of effective defense strategies
- Assists in conducting formal performance reviews and evaluations of supervised staff
- Participates in all clinical education components
- Assists the Chief Public Defender in organizational planning and resource management
- Represents the office at relevant meetings and professional events
- Assists in direction of support staff
Faculty Qualifications
The required qualifications are as follows:
Preferred Qualifications:
The preferred qualifications are as follows:
- Holds a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or a J.D. equivalent from a recognized international institution.
- Is licensed by the Texas Supreme Court and a member of the State Bar of Texas on active status and in good standing who has practiced law in Texas for three or more years, or an active member in good standing of the bar of another state in good standing who has practiced at least three years.
- Meets the requirements of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 26.04 for appointment to all felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases in the 7th and 9th Administrative Judicial Regions.
- Demonstrates substantial practice experience with a minimum of three years in criminal law practice.
- Demonstrates interest in and commitment to teaching as well as supervising students in a clinical setting.
- Has a record of, or strong commitment to, service within legal education, the legal profession, or the broader public, including institutional, community, or professional service.
Preferred Qualifications:
The preferred qualifications are as follows:
- Proven experience in the effective representation of clients in criminal proceedings, including substantial knowledge of procedural and substantive criminal law, and demonstrated skill in the use of expert witnesses and forensic evidence.
- Other experience as a practicing attorney and/or judicial clerk, particularly in areas relevant to the teaching and administrative expectations of the position.
- Proven proficiency in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
- Experience supervising students in a law school clinical program and/or supervising law students or lawyers in practice.
- A demonstrated record of effective teaching, which may include classroom instruction, CLE programs, or other presentations to professional or community groups.
- A commitment to, and/or demonstrated experience in, supporting and engaging students from a broad range of backgrounds, including first-generation college or law students.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff in a collegial academic environment.