Chief Assistant Public Defender

Job Summary

The Assistant Public Defender IV will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients in the Complex Trial division of the Superior Court. This position performs as an expert attorney, assigned to serious, high-profile, and significant felony cases, SB 440s, and appellate cases.

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.

Researches relevant case law and interprets concerning the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts jury charges; and makes 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 and understanding of federal, state, and local criminal laws.

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

Demonstrates proficiency in the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities to function in the position effectively.

Possesses the experience to supervise and plan the work of assigned staff.

Makes sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Effectively manages own time and that of others with a high level of initiative in accomplishing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Demonstrates 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. Reciprocity (must obtain a Law License) and ten (10) years of relevant legal experience;

OR Five (5) years of experience required at the Assistant Public Defender III level.

1. Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License.