Assistant Attorney I

Description Office of Public Defender Assistant Attorney I Posting Expires: April 14, 2026 Salary: $83,136/annually General Description and Classification Standards The Public Defender Assistant Attorney provides legal representation and counsel to indigent clients charged in the Municipal Court of Atlanta with misdemeanor crimes, city ordinance violations, and traffic violations. Primary duties include holistically and zealously defending criminal allegations and any underlying human conditions that can drive unlawful behavior. Attorneys work with an interdisciplinary team to address issues such as addiction, mental illness, homelessness, and unemployment, linking clients with needed social services and civil/legal needs. Supervision Received Attorneys work in teams supervised by a senior attorney who consults with junior attorneys and guides the development of case strategy and case-management plans. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Communicate thoroughly with the client, including meetings to review facts, explain the law, court process, and options for addressing the case. Identify all collateral consequences and inform each client of the impact. When underlying needs are identified, ensure linkage to needed services through community resources and nonprofits. Work with incarcerated clients in a jail environment daily. Develop case defense strategies and analyses, including investigation requests, pre‑trial motions, research, collateral legal and personal consequences, and linkage to social services. Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and client advocates to provide zealous and comprehensive representation. Represent clients in court daily, managing first appearances, continuances, plea negotiations, alternative sentencing and treatment referrals, and bench trials. Document client case files and case-management files, maintaining a master calendar reflecting court dates and case status. Provide daily docket details to data-entry staff for electronic case management and workload tracking. Develop expert knowledge of city ordinance violations and traffic misdemeanors, demonstrating command of subject matter within six months of employment. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of criminal law and procedure demonstrated by education and experience. Excellent oral advocacy, research, and writing skills. Experience in civil practice areas such as family law, real estate, estate and wills, social security, elder law, immigration, and eviction defense is a plus. Experience in advocacy for individuals with mental health diseases, drug addiction, and homelessness. Dual degrees in social work welcomed. Spanish speaking skills a plus. Ability to manage a heavy client caseload in a demanding courtroom and jail environment. Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain records, reports, and information effectively per departmental or governmental regulations. Use independent judgment in routine and non‑routine situations. Use computer applications and techniques as necessary. Plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Comprehend and apply department regulations and procedures. Work under stress requiring constant attention to detail, tight deadlines, and courtroom advocacy. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience – Juris Doctorate required. Must be a member of the State Bar of Georgia. Licenses and Certifications One to three years of direct experience is preferred. Preferred Requirements Georgia license to practice law is required. Work Environment Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are necessary to perform the job. Lifting Requirements Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Disability and Accommodation Policy It is the policy of the City of Atlanta that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against in any job application or employment process. Reasonable accommodations are provided to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions and enjoy equal benefits. Please contact the Human Resources Director for accommodations. Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran’s status, or national origin. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. #J-18808-Ljbffr