Public Defender Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

JOB OVERVIEW GENERAL PURPOSE Provides professional legal representation to defendants within the County by safeguarding constitutional rights and delivering competent and ethical advocacy in criminal proceedings. With regular attendance, this position represents clients at all stages of the judicial process in accordance with state and federal law, court rules, and the policies and standards of the Public Defender's Office. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL DUTIES Provide effective, competent legal defense for court appointed clients, from firstappearance to final disposition.

Meet with clients regularly to explain rights and legal process, gather case details, developgoals and defense strategy, perform witness prep, and maintain effective attorney-clientrelationship. Conduct depositions and meet with witnesses to prep for court hearings. Prepare for and attend all court hearings, including bond settings, detention hearings,preliminary hearings, motion hearings, bench trials, jury trials and sentencing.

Formulate defense strategy based on the evidence and client's goals. Review discovery supplied by prosecutor and identify other discovery items that must beproduced to assess client's defense. Conduct investigations to obtain additional evidence to support client's defense and make"crime scene" visits as necessary.

Perform legal research and stay updated on state and federal law, including case law, rulesof evidence, criminal code, criminal procedure and the civil commitment act. Draft pleadings, motions, briefs and other correspondence to advocate for client's defenseand desired outcome. Demonstrate a working knowledge of diversion services, problem solving courts, and thereferral process for clients to obtain evaluations and admission to treatment programs.

Perform plea bargaining and settlement negotiations with prosecutor on client's behalf. Appeal client convictions and sentences to the higher courts by identifying legal errors,drafting persuasive briefs, and preparing oral argument. Maintain consistent office hours to meet with clients in-person, by phone or in the jail.

Manage a caseload of misdemeanor, juvenile and/or low-level felony cases as assigned bythe Chief Deputy or Elected Official. Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduate of an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.

Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Nebraska. Must be a member in good standing with the Nebraska Bar Association. Have and maintain a valid Driver's License, as well as meet eligibility requirements of"acceptable driving standards" as defined by the County.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse individuals. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively. Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite and other software related to datamanagement, communication, and other common business processes.

Ability to follow established policies and procedures for confidentiality while adapting toevolving privacy standards and technologies. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships within a team. Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidenceapplicable to state and county courts.

Experience with courtroom practices, trial procedures, sentencing guidelines, andappellate processes. Knowledge of legal research methods, case law analysis, and statutory interpretation. Skill in conducting legal research, drafting motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legaldocuments.

Skill in managing a high-volume caseload while meeting court deadlines and maintainingquality representation. Experience with interviewing clients, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and otherstakeholders and experts to develop effective defense strategies. Ability to analyze legal issues, evaluate evidence, and apply legal principles to individualcases.

Ability to adapt to changing laws, court procedures, and caseload demands within a publicdefense environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment is typically a professional office setting, courtroom, or secure detention facility, involving regular use of computers, standard office equipment, and frequent interaction with both internal staff and the public in a structured, task-oriented atmosphere. Incumbents in this position may have interaction with individuals who are hostile, rude, offensive, abusive, violent, or have/carry infectious or communicable diseases.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work hours may include evenings, early mornings, weekends, call-ins, and holidays. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.