Lead Attorney: Public Defender's Office

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. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None. Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities Provide effective, competent legal defense for court‑appointed clients, from first appearance to final disposition. Meet with clients regularly to explain rights and legal process, gather case details, develop goals and defense strategy, perform witness prep, and maintain effective attorney‑client relationship. 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 the prosecutor and identify other discovery items that must be produced 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, rules of evidence, criminal code, criminal procedure and the civil commitment act. Draft pleadings, motions, briefs and other correspondence to advocate for client’s defense and desired outcome. Demonstrate a working knowledge of diversion services, problem‑solving courts, and the referral process for clients to obtain evaluations and admission to treatment programs. Perform plea bargaining and settlement negotiations with the 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 felony cases (all levels) as assigned by the Chief Deputy or Elected Official. Serve as a coordinating role in assigned court (juvenile, county, district, problem‑solving or appeals), as determined by the Chief Deputy and Elected Official. Serve as point of contact for other departments and facilitate daily operations of court as directed by Chief Deputy and Elected Official. Assist and consult with other public defender attorneys in assigned court and perform second chair duties as needed. Coordinate hearing coverage for other public defender attorneys in assigned court. Demonstrate an ability and willingness to lead, train, coordinate, offer opinions and problem‑solve as required. Perform other duties as assigned. 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 data management, communication, and other common business processes. Ability to follow established policies and procedures for confidentiality while adapting to evolving 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 evidence applicable to state and county courts. Experience with courtroom practices, trial procedures, sentencing guidelines, and appellate processes. Knowledge of legal research methods, case law analysis, and statutory interpretation. Skill in conducting legal research, drafting motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents. Skill in managing a high‑volume caseload while meeting court deadlines and maintaining quality representation. Experience with interviewing clients, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders and experts to develop effective defense strategies. Ability to analyze legal issues, evaluate evidence, and apply legal principles to individual cases. Ability to adapt to changing laws, court procedures, and caseload demands within a public‑defense environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sarpy County