Joe Stephens Email & Phone Number

Lubbock, Tx, Us

Lubbock, Texas, United States

As Chief Public Defender of the Caprock PDO, I run the only public defender office in the country that lives in a law school. I am also a clinical lecturer, teaching law students criminal defense practice skills that they apply on real cases in rural counties in West Texas.

San Angelo, Texas, United States

The Concho Valley Public Defender's Office covers a twelve-county rural service area with offices in San Angelo and Abilene. Hired as Chief Defender, my responsibilities involved every aspect of this office's creation and operation: staffing (roughly 40 FTE), budget, setting and implementing policies and procedures, overseeing grant-compliance with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and, most importantly, ensuring that our office represented indigent clients across our service area with the… Show more The Concho Valley Public Defender's Office covers a twelve-county rural service area with offices in San Angelo and Abilene. Hired as Chief Defender, my responsibilities involved every aspect of this office's creation and operation: staffing (roughly 40 FTE), budget, setting and implementing policies and procedures, overseeing grant-compliance with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and, most importantly, ensuring that our office represented indigent clients across our service area with the utmost quality. We expanded from seven to 12 counties within the first year -- a monumental challenge. Among the many principles that guide our operation, one that matters most is my firm belief that the work we do should speak for itself. Show less

Kerrville, Texas, United States

I handled a nearly exclusive felony-caseload in Kerr and Gillespie Counties.Speaking engagements included:1) "Mental Health Issues in Criminal Defense" -- 9/2021, Victoria, TX, at a continuing legal education event sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.2) "Mental Health Issues in Criminal Defense" -- 10/2021, Wichita Falls, TX, at a continuing legal education event sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.3) "Pre-Trial Motions… Show more I handled a nearly exclusive felony-caseload in Kerr and Gillespie Counties.Speaking engagements included:1) "Mental Health Issues in Criminal Defense" -- 9/2021, Victoria, TX, at a continuing legal education event sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.2) "Mental Health Issues in Criminal Defense" -- 10/2021, Wichita Falls, TX, at a continuing legal education event sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.3) "Pre-Trial Motions Practice" -- 11/2021, Boerne, TX, at a multi-day judicial training seminar sponsored by the Texas Association of Counties. Show less

Beeville, Texas, United States

I managed TRLA's public defender office in Beeville, from which we handled court-appointed cases (juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony) covering five rural counties.

Beeville, Tx

As First Assistant, I was in charge of the felony dockets in both Refugio and Goliad counties. This includes all phases of representation, from intake to trial.

Beeville, Tx

The nation’s third largest legal aid provider (and the largest in Texas), TRLA provides free civil legal services to residents in 68 Southwest Texas counties, and represents migrant and seasonal farm workers throughout the state and in six other southern states. TRLA also operates public defender programs that serve at least 10 Texas counties, representing low-income and indigent people accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile crimes.

Baltimore, Md

Brown Law handles a vast range of civil and criminal matters, including federal criminal defense, civil rights litigation, post-conviction and white collar defense. I had an array of tasks -- mostly involving research and writing -- on assorted cases in the aforementioned areas.

Greater New York City Area

Stephens Strategies (now dormant) was a private strategic communications consultancy that advised a select number of clients. After cofounding it in 2013, I worked with a number of select partners on an assortment of issues. Our specialties included: • Public relations/affairs • Internal/external communications strategy• Advocacy• Risk assessment and preparation• Crisis management• Media/press engagement

New York, New York, United States

I built and grew partnerships with 150+ of the best restaurants in the city from the ground up—from initial contact, through signed contract and onboarding, to continual relationship development.

Austin, Texas

Represented clients before the Texas Legislature and state agencies on public policy and regulatory affairs; drafted and edited major legislation. Regularly consulted with and advised elected officials and corporations on effective legislative strategy. Drafted and revised contracts and agreements; motions and briefs; preparation for trial, mediation, and arbitration. Crafted and provided strategic communications and legal solutions to clients.My time here coincided with my taking (and… Show more Represented clients before the Texas Legislature and state agencies on public policy and regulatory affairs; drafted and edited major legislation. Regularly consulted with and advised elected officials and corporations on effective legislative strategy. Drafted and revised contracts and agreements; motions and briefs; preparation for trial, mediation, and arbitration. Crafted and provided strategic communications and legal solutions to clients.My time here coincided with my taking (and passing) the Texas Bar Exam, along with a number of tasks relevant to the 2011 Legislative Session. Show less

Austin, Texas

Worked in two different roles for two different State Representatives during two Legislative Sessions (also had an assortment of roles on different re-election campaigns).In 2007, I worked for the Vice-Chair of the Ways & Means Committee as the Legislative Director. I formulated and researched legislation, developed the legislative agenda, ushered the legislative package through the process, and drafted legislative correspondence. Authored bill analyses, talking points, and press… Show more Worked in two different roles for two different State Representatives during two Legislative Sessions (also had an assortment of roles on different re-election campaigns).In 2007, I worked for the Vice-Chair of the Ways & Means Committee as the Legislative Director. I formulated and researched legislation, developed the legislative agenda, ushered the legislative package through the process, and drafted legislative correspondence. Authored bill analyses, talking points, and press releases on many issues, mainly taxation.In 2009 (while still in law school), I worked for the Chair of the Human Services Committee as a Legal Advisor. I performed similar legislative roles, though was heavily focused on environmental regulation (specifically, water policy).Immediately upon finishing law school and taking the Texas Bar Exam, I designed and executed the communications strategy for his re-election campaign. This included tasks in journalist engagement, media strategy, debate preparation, opposition research, messaging, and various outreach. Show less

Doctor Of Law (J.D.), Law, Cum Laude

Graduated with honors. Worked in the Texas Capitol during law school, as a Legal Advisor during the 2009 Legislative Session. Authored.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), International Public Policy / Spanish

Activities and Societies: Ingram Scholar, Vanderbilt Prison Project, Vanderbilt Hustler. Four-year tuition service/academic scholarship..