3Ls - 2025 Post Bar Fellowship / Entry-level ADA

2025 POST BAR FELLOWSHIP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

3RD YEAR LAW STUDENTS TAKING THE FEBRUARY 2025 and JULY 2025 TEXAS STATE BAR

The fellowship has about a 3-6 month term that could lead directly to employment with HCDAO if the fellow does well during their fellowship and passes the Texas State Bar exam. Our Post Bar Fellows will be paid a salary of $28.00 per hour and benefits kick in after 45 days. If a fellow passes the Texas State Bar, he/she will be immediately sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney and granted our starting Misdemeanor 3 ADA pay and full benefits will have already begun.

Post Bar Fellow Salary

The 2025 Post Bar Salary is $28.00 an hour

Entry Level ADA

Misdemeanor 3 & 2 = $93,100.80

HCDAO wants to give select recent law-school graduates, awaiting their Texas Bar results an opportunity to join our office, specifically in the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, and become familiar with the day to day as an HCDAO ADA. Candidates are afforded a highly dedicated support staff to help them along the way. The Office also frequently hires 2L and 3L law students serving in voluntary internships, and 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students serving in voluntary internships. For more information and application details, please see below.

ADA POST BAR FELLOWSHIPS

Every year, HCDAO accepts applications for Post Bar fellowships, formerly known as Pre-commits. HCDAO Fellows are treated as Misdemeanor 3 attorneys while they await their bar results. They will conduct victim and witness interviews; (2) conduct formal plea procedures; (3) do trial preparation; (4) research and writing; and (5) conduct jury selection and jury trials. Post Bar fellows routinely go to court to conduct court dockets, hearings, and trials. Post Bar Fellows may also be required to complete additional assignments, specific projects, or observations as prescribed by their Chief.

Qualifications

Applicants must be recent law school graduates prepping for the February Texas State Bar Exam or a 3L Law Student prepping for May graduation and the July Texas State Bar exam. Qualified candidates should also have an excellent academic record. Post Bar Fellows typically come to the fellowship after completion of their Texas State Bar Exam however, there are some exceptions based on HCDAO's current needs.

The fellowship has about a 3-6 month term that could lead directly to employment with HCDAO if the fellow does well during their fellowship and passes the Texas State Bar exam. Our Post Bar Fellows will be paid a salary of $28.00 per hour and benefits kick in after 45 days. If a fellow passes the Texas State Bar, he/she will be sworn in and granted our starting Misdemeanor 3 ADA pay and full benefits will have already begun. HCDAO offers a host of very attractive benefits, and as a public employee, the new ADA qualifies for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program as well! Please be mindful that 7% of your gross pay will be automatically deducted as a contribution towards your retirement.

Application Process

Please set up a profile in our application tracking system and complete the application in its entirety. Upload your:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Official transcripts
• Any trial, mock trial or moot court experience
• PLEASE LIST YOUR GPA ON YOUR APPLICATION

***Your completed application and required documents will be reviewed. When you have been approved for post bar internship with HCDAO, you will be subject to a full background investigation. When the investigation concludes and is approved, you will receive an email from the HR Professional Coordinator containing more info on the program and directions for getting started. If you do well as a Post Bar Intern with HCDAO and pass the Texas State Bar Exam, HCDAO will potentially consider you for an ADA position.***

Assistant District Attorney

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is currently hiring Experienced and Entry Level Attorneys

Salaries vary by level of experience:

Felony Chief- $149,635.20

Felony 2- $117,644.80

Felony 3- $98,467.20

Misdemeanor 3 & 2 - $93,100.80

The Harris County Assistant District Attorney at a Glance:

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is one of the largest prosecutors' offices in the country. Under the leadership of DA Kim Ogg, it is an incubator of innovative prosecutorial approaches. The Harris County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to making our community safer through evidence-based prosecution and equal justice for all.

The size and diversity of the office provides a professional experience that is unique among district attorneys' offices around the country. Prosecutors are exposed to a full range of cases, including some of the most complex and cutting edge, and learn from some of the most respected and renowned attorneys in the public sector.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office hires the best and most committed public servants from a wide range of backgrounds, and is committed to hiring and retaining lawyers who represent the diverse community we serve.

***HCDAO is currently hiring for entry level Misdemeanor 3 positions and more experienced positions including felony prosecutors up to Felony Chief***

Profile

Assistant District Attorney Misdemeanor and Felony Trial Bureau

Duties: Typically first assigned to the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, where cases of all types are handled from preliminary hearings to jury trials. The progression from the Misdemeanor Trial Bureau into other units is based on the needs of the office and demonstrated ability and work ethic. After an initial period in the Misdemeanor Division, Assistant District Attorneys move on to the Felony Trial Bureau where they handle a range of felony cases, including serious crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder. Assistant District Attorneys may also have the opportunity to work in specialty divisions such as Crimes Against Children, Financial Crimes, Trafficking, and Mental Health.

Job Description:

1. Assistant District Attorney represents the State of Texas in criminal proceedings in the Harris County Criminal District Courts and County Criminal Courts at Law. The Assistant District Attorney duties include the following:

• Prepare case files, evidence, documents for court proceedings
• Interview victims and witnesses.
• Analyze assigned cases and prepare the cases for trial.
• Interact with victims, police, and witnesses to make critical decisions to support court proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare motions.
• Present cases, cross examine witnesses, and make arguments in the court.
• Perform administrative tasks in connection with other assigned duties.

Qualification and Experience:

Must have a J.D. from an accredited law school and Texas Bar certification. Should have a demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record. Ideal candidates will also possess a capacity for fairness and empathy, a strong work ethic, an ability to manage a demanding work load, and sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Hours:

Monday through Friday, hours may vary based on the division needs. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.

Benefits:

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan. The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service.
• Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan