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Texas Indigent Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travis County, TX

$92K/yr

OPR is seeking an attorney dedicated to public defense and representing parents in CPS cases. A ... to indigent clients in child welfare law litigation with the Texas Department of Family and ...

Bexar County, TX

Assistant Public Defender II

Paul, ID

$93K - $116K/yr

... indigent defendants in criminal cases; and performs related duties as required. Duties and ... of Texas * Considerable knowledge of criminal procedure and defense; good knowledge of legal ...

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All JobsTexas Indigent Defense Jobs

Texas Indigent Defense information

See salary details

$26.5K

$44.2K

$60K

How much do texas indigent defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for texas indigent defense in the United States is $44,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $48,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges might I face when working in Texas Indigent Defense, and how can I prepare for them?

Professionals in Texas Indigent Defense often manage high caseloads, tight deadlines, and a variety of complex legal issues, all while advocating for clients with limited resources. You may encounter difficulties such as limited access to investigative support or social services, and the challenge of building trust with clients facing significant hardship. To prepare, it's important to develop strong time management skills, maintain a commitment to ongoing legal education, and seek out mentorship or peer support within your office or through professional organizations. Collaboration with colleagues and community partners is also key to navigating these challenges and providing the best possible defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Texas Indigent Defense, and why are they important?

To thrive in Texas Indigent Defense, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a Texas law license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases, and digital evidence tools is important for effective case preparation and documentation. Exceptional communication, empathy, and advocacy skills help build trust with clients and ensure effective representation. These competencies are crucial for protecting clients' rights and achieving fair outcomes within the criminal justice system.

What is the difference between Texas Indigent Defense vs Texas Public Defender?

AspectTexas Indigent DefenseTexas Public Defender
CredentialsLaw degree, Texas bar licenseLaw degree, Texas bar license
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courtrooms, client meetingsLegal offices, courtrooms, client meetings
EmployerCounty or state-funded programsState-funded agency
Common UsageRefers broadly to legal defense for indigent clientsSpecific role within public defense system

Texas Indigent Defense encompasses a range of legal services provided to those who cannot afford private attorneys, often through county programs. Texas Public Defender is a specific role within the indigent defense system, representing clients in criminal cases. While both require similar credentials and work environments, the public defender is a dedicated position within a state agency, whereas indigent defense may include various county-funded providers.

What is Texas Indigent Defense?

Texas Indigent Defense refers to the system and legal process in Texas that ensures individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney are provided with legal representation in criminal cases. This right is protected under the U.S. Constitution and Texas law, guaranteeing that everyone, regardless of financial status, receives a fair trial. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission oversees the administration of these services, working with counties to develop standards for appointing qualified defense attorneys. The system covers a range of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and may include public defenders or court-appointed private attorneys.
Infographic showing various Texas Indigent Defense job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,245 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special Litigation

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Manhattan, NY

Temporary

Medical, Dental

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special LitigationDepartment: Immigration Defense TeamLocation: NYCReports To: Managing Attorney for the Immigration DefensePosition Type: Temporary Full-timeUnion Status: Union eligibleFLSA Status: Exempt

About NDS:Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and HaysCounty, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.

Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients-before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution-while addressing the legal, social, andsystemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.

Core Purpose of the Role:NDS's immigration team seeks 1-year temporary Staff Attorney, Special Litigation to begin immediately. NDS specifically seeks applicants experienced in special litigation to provide support for motions to reopen/reconsider, appeals, and our habeas practice. This position will also include a small removal defense/affirmative case load for direct representation. The ideal candidate will have had experience inspecial litigation, including drafting and arguing in federal district court.

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in immigration advocacy and the holistic defense of noncitizens caught up in the criminal legal system and families facing child removal.

 

Responsibilities
  • Embrace NDS' philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence.
  • Provide vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to clients.
  • Advise non-citizen clients regarding the full range of immigration consequences associated with contacts with the criminal legal system and consult with the criminal defense attorneys to mitigate potential immigration consequences.
  • Interview clients and their families, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients.
  • Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, legal advocate, team administrators, and interns).
  • Work with criminal defense attorneys to obtain meaningful, comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
  • File federal litigation and appeals including Petitions for Review, habeas petitions, motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent and timely basis, developing and advancing novel arguments for relief or release, such as challenging Asylum Cooperative Agreement dismissals, mandatory detention, third-country removals, and violations of due process.
  • Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations and arguments in criminal cases.
  • Engage in community-oriented know-your-rights and other training and outreach as necessary.
  • Engage in policy work, including attending coalition meetings, based on need.
  • Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress.
    • Qualifications
  • A demonstrated commitment to criminal and immigration justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice issues, and a substantive understanding of the biases impacting our clients.
  • An ability to quickly build relationships with people of varying identities, income levels, races, and ethnicities.
  • 1-5 years experience representing clients in immigration proceedings and knowledge of immigration procedure.
  • A track record of strategically guiding casework, projects, and/or relationships; applying good and practiced judgment; and routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve goals.
  • A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
  • Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  • An ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
  • A license to practice law in New York or in another state. Attorneys admitted to the New York Bar and with experience in immigration court are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Spanish language fluency is strongly preferred.

    • Compensation:

    Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. The position will end one year after the start date of employment. 

    SALARY RANGE BASED ON DIRECTLY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE 

    1 - 5 Years 

    $84,347.74 - $94,201.77

    HOW TO APPLY

    Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF through NDS's website at neighborhood defender careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.  Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at About NDS.

    Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

    Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

    The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply. 

    MinUSD $84,347.74/Yr.MaxUSD $94,201.77/Yr.Employment Type: TEMPORARY

    Apply