Senior Assistant Public Defender

Job Summary

Under broad supervision, responsible for the administration and direction of an entire staff engaged in the defense of felony jury or non-jury cases handled by the Circuit Public Defender Office. Advises and counsels other attorneys as to the case management practices of handling their assigned cases. Demonstrates a mastery of litigation; extensive and significant jury trial experience as the lead counsel in felony cases.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Directs, administers, and supervises legal service activities for the Circuit Public Defender Office.

Supervises and reviews the activities of the staff in cases assigned. Evaluates the performance in order to maintain efficiency and productivity of the unit.

Identifies problems in the unit, develops effective solutions, and implements solutions in order to maintain required level of service.

Initiates action in the unit to provide efficient and prompt service and enhance overall function of the unit.

Provides advice, counsel, support and technical assistance to senior management and staff on a variety of legal matters. Responds to requests for information and provides answers, opinions, and recommendations regarding legal issues.

Advises professional staff on all matters affected by applicable laws and regulations and of legal ramifications.

Responds to inquiries regarding legal determinations and disseminates written responses or reports to the interested parties.

Reviews subpoenas, court orders, affidavits, and other legal documents in order to advise staff.

Coordinates and implements due process procedures and procedures for appeals as provided for in applicable legislation.

Prepares and coordinates cases for subsequent appeals.

Conducts legal research, analyzes statutes, case law, evidence and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.

Appears with and for defendants in court, making appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law.

Participates in jury selection; makes opening statements and final arguments and summations in the defense of the accused.

Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.

Thoroughly presents oral arguments in applicable forum, presents evidence, conducts direct and cross-examination of witnesses, asks appropriate questions and follow-ups.

Conducts the preparation and coordination of cases prior to and during court trials.

Investigates cases, gathers information, and identifies and reviews facts and issues in the preparation for trials in order to determine the facts of the case.

Gathers documents, secures and prepares appropriate witnesses, prepare exhibits, and/or prepares for court appearance.

Compile and submit evidence, legal documents, reports, and statements in connection with litigation/mitigation.

Provides input and feedback to management regarding policies, programs, and training for staff. Develops, implements, and supervises programs for professional development in all areas of capital litigation.

Seeks quality improvements for the office and identifies ways to improve the office.

Guides defense teams in selecting applicable professional education programs that they should attend.

Determines training needs based on changes in the law and provides and/or arranges for the provision of training to meet those needs.

Provides for education and training on requirements of specific laws.

Complies with continuing requirements to improve effectiveness. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in case law, judicial opinions, etc. by reading appropriate books, journals, and other literature as well as attending related and mandatory seminars and/or conferences. Applies pertinent new knowledge to performance and other responsibilities.

Accepts and carries out responsibility for personal professional growth.

Attends professional education programs/seminars as mandated by law.

Incorporates knowledge of pertinent new trends and developments in the field into the performance of responsibilities.

Creates and maintains a high performance environment characterized by

Positive leadership and a strong team orientation.

Defines goals and/or required results at the beginning of performance period and gains

acceptance of ideas by creating a shared vision.

Communicates regularly with staff on progress toward defined goals and/or required results, providing specific feedback and initiating corrective action when defined goals and/or results are not met.

Interacts with all levels of state government in a way that promotes respect, encourages cooperation, and contributes to excellent performance.

Treats all customers fairly, giving no one preferential treatment.

Communicates accurate information to all other customers in a professional and courteous manner that conveys a willingness to assist.

Accepts direction and feedback from supervisors and follows through appropriately.

Accepts responsibility for mistakes and takes action to prevent similar occurrences.

Uses as appropriate, established channels of communication.

Performs other relevant work as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

Completion of a law degree

Three years of relevant legal experience OR Three years of experience at the lower level as an Assistant Public Defender

Preferred Qualifications: Supervisory experience in a legal setting including the supervision of licensed attorneys.

Career Development Levels:

Circuit Public Defender

Provides support and assistance to supervise attorneys on a variety of legal matters. Responds to requests for information and provides answers, opinions, and recommendations regarding legal issues

Licenses and Certifications:

License to practice law in the State of Georgia OR Eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination. Note: Some positions may not allow the “eligibility” clause.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations and departmental policy.

Ability to perform research and analysis.

Ability to draft legal instruments, contracts, proposed legislation and legal opinions.

Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts and present such materials in clear and logical form for oral and written presentation.

Ability to determine compliance with rules and regulations

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to monitor staff to ensure compliance with state standards and federal regulations.

Ability to serve as legal advisor to executives, management and staff.

ADA Minimum Requirements

Physical Ability:

Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing);operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours.

Sensory Requirements:

Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors:

Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive, as it is intended to identify the major respon­sibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specifica­tion.