Posting number: 17000
Department: Public Defender's Office
Job classification: Intern
Posting type: Open
Categories: Court Administration, Legal, Attorney, Internship
The HCPDO seeks third-year law students (3Ls) graduating this fall and recent law school graduates to join our team as Post-Bar Fellows. Applicants must have either completed or be registered to take the Texas Bar Exam and be awaiting results by the time the fellowship begins.
About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office:
The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to providing high-quality, holistic, client-centered legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in Harris County. Our office works to ensure fairness and justice in the criminal legal system through zealous advocacy and compassionate representation.
The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) offers law students and recent law school graduates the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience representing indigent clients in one of the largest and busiest criminal court systems in the country. Legal interns are integrated into interdisciplinary defense teams and work directly with attorneys on active criminal cases. Interns contribute to case preparation, legal research, client advocacy, and trial strategy while learning the day-to-day practice of client-centered public defense.
Through mentorship, courtroom exposure, and close supervision by experienced public defenders, interns gain practical skills that prepare them for careers in criminal defense and public interest law. Spring internships are designed to provide practical legal experience during the academic semester. Responsibilities will vary based on the intern’s division assignment, schedule, experience, and the needs of the office.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities vary depending on division assignment and the stage of a case but may include:
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.
Required Supporting Documents:
Applicants must submit:
Resume
Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
Writing sample or personal statement (maximum four (4) pages)
List of three (3) references, including:
Two (2) legal and/or professional references
One (1) personal (non-legal) reference
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Education:
Applicants must:Be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school or be a recent graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Desired Start Date – End Date:
1/19/27 - 4/16/27
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Intern.Applications@pdo.hctx.net.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Harris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of 2000 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 3,400,578 (though a 2007 estimate placed the population at 4,011,475), making it the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Houston.
