Assistant Public Defender I

Job Summary

As the Assistant Public Defender I, you will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position represents clients in the following Courts – Magistrate, Traffic & State and may assist in cases of routine complexity. To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in the State of Georgia. Work is assigned by the Public Defender and/or management team in terms of department goals, objectives, and priorities.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Attends scheduled court appearances; inputs, and records case-related data and notes, logs case activities, and closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.

Represents clients in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, appeals or any related courtroom proceedings negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection, makes opening and closing statements, presents evidence, and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments.

Reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; reviews criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explores alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follows up on defense leads; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines the need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; develops defense theory and case strategies.

Receives and reviews various documentation, including, police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, and case law updates; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including a variety of motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compiles data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports, and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests, motions, and appeals; advocates for the client; and secures additional services for the client.

Argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.

Research relevant case law and interpret the facts of the case; research the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepare briefs and motions and responses to same; write case summaries; draft jury charges; and make trial notes.

Develops trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explains and advises clients regarding their rights, the investigative and judicial process, and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provides updates regarding case status.

Attends conferences, seminars, meetings, and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes, and participates in professional organizations.

Communicates with prosecuting attorneys, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, client friends and family, probation officers, supervisors, government officials, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review the status of work, present or exchange information, provide legal counsel and interpretation, or resolve problems.

Additional Duties: Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrates the knowledge to conduct case research and documentation.

Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.

Demonstrates the knowledge to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.

Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all state or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function in the position effectively.

Ability to make sound and well-informed decisions; perceive the impact and implications of decisions; commit to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; cause change.

Ability to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.

Displays a high level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office with the employee sitting at a desk and/or in the courtroom, but may require visits to off-site locations. Normal office conditions. Potential problems may exist with clients exposed to stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
2. License to practice law in the State of Georgia.
3. OR Reciprocity (must obtain a Law License)
4. Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

1. One (1) year of litigation experience.