Attorney 3

Attorney 3

The Georgia Public Defender Council, Specialized Unit Division in the Central Office, is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender 3. Qualified candidates must possess the skills and experience necessary to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Travel around the greater metro area is required and further travel may be assigned if needed. Candidate must be experienced with trial work and be able to first chair trials where the client faces a potential life sentence. Candidate will be required to handle SB440 cases. Experience in handling an SB440 case is preferred. Candidates must also be current members in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia. A strong commitment to indigent defense and the provision of high-quality legal representation is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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 client services.

· 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 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.

· 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, 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.

· All other duties as assigned.

· Serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.

AGENCY QUALIFICATIONS:

· Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia

· Possesses three years of experience in criminal defense.

· Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities.

· Demonstrates the knowledge to conduct case research and documentation.

· Knowledge of statutes, court decisions, federal and state laws, and local criminal laws.

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

· Ability to 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.

· 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.

The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications and any other qualifications specific to the job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity and two (2) years of relevant legal -experience; or two (2) years of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 2 (LEP021).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.