Assistant Public Defender IV

JOB TITLE: Assistant Public Defender IV

ARPA FUNDS 3 YEAR TERM WITH COUNTY BENEFITS

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The Assistant Public Defender IV will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients in the Complex Trail division of Superior Court. This position performs as an expert attorney, assigned to serious, high-profile, and significant felony cases. Performs other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files, 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; review criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explore 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

• 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 legat changes, and participates in professional organizations.

• Communicates with prosecuting attorneys, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, client friends and family, probation officers, supervisor, 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.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR AGENCY QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia. Possesses three (3) years of relevant legal experience; 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Posting Start : 07/06/2024

Posting End : 12/31/9999