Closing Date: 30th November, 2026
Description:
Position Description:About The Office of Managed Assigned Counsel:
The Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) supports attorneys in providing high-quality legal and holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. MAC is committed to ensuring that all clients are treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism throughout the legal process.
Position Overview:
The Resource Attorney serves as a key liaison between MAC, appointed counsel, and the courts. This position provides direct support, oversight, training, and operational assistance to attorneys on the MAC appointment list, helping to promote quality representation, ensure compliance with program standards, and address challenges that arise during the course of appointed cases. As one of four Resource Attorneys, the position is responsible for providing direct support and management to a designated group of MAC-appointed attorneys.
Impact of the Role:
Resource Attorneys play a critical role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of representation provided through the MAC program. Through mentorship, oversight, training, and problem-solving, Resource Attorneys help ensure that appointed counsel are equipped to provide zealous, client-centered representation while advancing MAC's mission of delivering excellent indigent defense services to the Harris County community.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resource Attorney's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Serving as the primary point of contact between MAC and assigned misdemeanor courts.
- Assisting with the administration and management of attorney appointments for attorneys approved to accept misdemeanor cases through MAC.
- Monitoring attorney caseloads to promote appropriate workload distribution and compliance with MAC standards and applicable regulations.
- Providing guidance, resources, mentoring, and ongoing support to MAC-appointed attorneys.
- Assisting attorneys with the resolution of day-to-day issues involving discovery, litigation strategy, trial preparation, and other case-related matters.
- Facilitating conflict resolution involving appointed attorneys, clients, prosecutors, or members of the judiciary when issues arise.
- Serving as first-chair or second-chair counsel when necessary to support appointed attorneys and ensure continuity of representation.
- Assisting in the development, coordination, and delivery of training programs for MAC-appointed attorneys.
- Monitoring, maintaining, and enhancing legal resources available through MAC, including both physical and electronic reference materials used in appointed cases.
- Conducting legal research and analysis on issues affecting indigent defense and MAC operations.
- Reviewing and evaluating attorney performance and identifying areas requiring improvement through observation, feedback, and review of available program data.
- Developing and implementing corrective action plans for appointed attorneys in coordination with division leadership when serious performance concerns arise
- Providing targeted coaching, mentoring, training, and follow-up to support compliance with MAC standards and the delivery of high-quality client representation.
- Assisting with special projects, policy initiatives, and operational planning efforts.
- Supporting the Misdemeanor Division Chief with attorney training and professional development initiatives.
- Supporting the Legal Operations Director with legal research, program development, strategic planning, and other operational responsibilities 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.
Requirements:
Required Supporting Documents:
- Cover letter
- Updated resume
- Three (3) references that include the nature of the relationship as to each reference in addition to their contact information.
- Writing sample specifically in the area of criminal law that does not exceed six (6) double-spaced pages.
- A current letter of good standing from your state bar of practice.
All Required Documents Must Be Attached at The Time the Application Is Submitted.
No Documents Will Be Accepted After Submittal of Application.
Education and Experience:
- A Juris Doctorate Degree from An Accredited Law College or University.
- A Texas Law License in Good Standing
- Or Proof of Submission for Admission without Examination with 30 Days of Acceptance of Offer Is Required (permission of Submissions Beyond 30 Days Are Based upon Exigent Circumstances and Within Executive Director's Discretion).
- At Least Five (5) Years' Experience as A Criminal Trial Attorney, with A Significant Portion of That Time Having Represented Criminal Defendants.
- Jury Trial Experience Required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Solid Understanding of Texas Criminal Law, Procedure, and Evidence.
- Must Be Able to Manage and Teach Other Attorneys, and To Practice Law in A Large Institutional Environment.
- Must Possess Deep Knowledge of Trial Skills as Well as The Ability to Teach Them.
Note: Qualifying Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Must Be Documented on Your Job Application. You May Attach a Resume to The Application as Supporting Documentation but Only Information Stated on The Application Will Be Used for Consideration. "see Resume" Will Not Be Accepted for Qualifications.
Preferences:
- Applicants Who Are Currently Licensed to Practice in Texas.
- At Least Five (5) Jury Trials as Lead Counsel.
General Information:
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week
- Monday – Friday | 8:00 Am to 4:00 Pm., In-Person
- Occasional Weekends, Holidays, and Overtime May Be Required Based on The Specific Needs and Demands of The Department.
Salary:
- $139,000 - $145,000 Annually
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- This Job Work Environment Mostly Operates in A Professional Office Environment. Depending upon The Task However, the Location May Vary as Follows: Court, Jail Visits if Necessary, and Off-Site Meetings when Necessary, Pertaining to Job Duties. Travel May Be Required to Visit Clients. the Main Base for The Position Is in An Office Environment, Where the Use of Standard Office Equipment Such as It Equipment, Computers, Phones, Photocopiers, Scanners, Fax Machines and Filing Cabinets Is Routine. Travel May Be Required. Work Location May Vary by Court, or Office Location Depending on Caseload.
- This Job Operates in A Professional Office Environment with General Office Equipment Usage of Standard Office Equipment Such as Computers, Phones, Photocopiers, Filing Cabinets and Fax Machines and Is in Person. the Physical Demands Associated with This Job Are Minimal, with Occasional Lifting and Moving of Objects Weighing up To 30 Pounds.
