Assistant Public Defender

UNCLASSIFIED EXEMPT POSITION Please refrain from attaching personal and identifiable information: Driver’s License, Photo on Resumes, DD214, Vaccination cards, etc Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctorate Degree required; supplemented by six-year(s) of experience as a practicing attorney. Resumes are welcomed without personal and identifiable information Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain certification and licensure from the State Bar of Georgia. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. Requires knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws; policies and procedures governing assigned courts, and methods and techniques related to the area of assignment. Veterans’ Preference: Qualifying veterans will be given preference in the form of a guaranteed invitation to interview for any position to which they applied and have been found to have met the minimum qualifications. Veterans’ preference provides for hiring preference on initial appointment only. To see the full Fulton County Veterans’ Preference Policy and Procedure, please click here. Purpose of Classification: The purpose of this classification is to provide competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients of Fulton County. This classification is distinguished from the series by functioning in a lead capacity, assigned to oversee the work or caseload of other attorneys or investigative and legal staff. Positions in this classification are assigned to prosecute as lead attorney on highly complex and serious upper-level felony cases which may involve homicide, crimes against women or children, crimes of public integrity, or appellate cases. Essential Functions: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers: confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures; assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations. 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. Investigates and prepares cases for hearings and trials: reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; review 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 need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; develops defense theory and case strategies. Represents clients at pre-trial conferences: secures and argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers. Coordinates post-adjudication/disposition/conviction follow-up and relief: secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests, motions and appeals; advocates for client; and secures additional services for client. Conducts case research and documentation: researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to 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. Communicates with, advises, and advocates for indigent clients: 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; and provides updates regarding case status. Manages caseload: attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files, inputs and records case-related data and notes #J-18808-Ljbffr