Mitigation Specialist

Over the past five years, thousands of people have been arrested near the Texas-Mexico border under Operation Lone Star (OLS), Governor Abbott’s border initiative. Lone Star Defenders Office (LSDO) is the indigent defense hub for OLS. We appoint counsel for OLS cases, and we provide training, support and oversight to the lawyers taking OLS cases. Our goal is to ensure that all clients receive the zealous representation that the U.S. Constitution promises them. LSDO is looking to hire a Mitigation Specialist to join our team.

The Mitigation Specialist will be part of LSDO’s client advocacy team, which is responsible for providing social services and holistic support to clients as they navigate the challenges of the legal system. The Mitigation Specialist will be responsible for investigating and executing all aspects of mitigation support on a case. For most cases, it will involve either Zoom or in-person interviews of clients and other witnesses to prepare a biopsychosocial report that can be used for plea negotiations or sentencing advocacy before the judge. The Mitigation Specialist will gather and analyze records (medical, education, employment, etc.) to understand circumstances of the alleged crime and/or client’s history in support of mitigation arguments. The Mitigation Specialist will be expected to daft reports/letters/memos, construct timelines, and potentially testify.

The Mitigation Specialist will work closely with other LSDO team members like client advocates and attorneys to develop investigation plans for mitigation. Most of our clients are charged with felony smuggling of persons. Because of the nature of our program, the type of the mitigation support needed will vary: some cases may require more thorough investigations and lengthy reports, others may require a single interview and shorter letter.

This position is state-grant funded through August 31, 2027 with the potential for extension depending on funding. The expected start date is September 2026. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about our mission of providing excellent representation to those arrested at the border.

Minimum Requirements

·       College degree required.

·       Experience authoring mitigation memoranda, compiling biopsychosocial histories, and conducting interviews.

·       Highly developed interpersonal and collaboration skills. Experience working with people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

·       High level of organization and attention to detail to effectively multitask in a fast-paced environment.

·       Strong writing, research, and communication skills.

·       Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

·       This is a remote position, but you must be based in Texas. Travel to visit clients in custody or to court will be necessary. We currently represent clients in the following counties: Val Verde, Kinney, Terrell, Maverick, Zavala, Dimmit, Jim Hogg, Brooks.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Master’s Degree in Social Work or Juris Doctorate.

·       Experience working in a public defender office or serving a client population going through the criminal justice system.

·       Fluency in Spanish.