Defense Counsel (El Reno)

Defense Counsel (El Reno) Overview The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency that provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, except for Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. Basic Purpose Defense Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic, and wildlife cases; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process. Typical Functions Perform case management activities, including maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders. Communicate with clients on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post‑judgement proceedings, to ensure informed decision‑making. Communicate with clients’ friends and family to obtain pertinent information while preserving privileged communication. Conduct independent and expeditious investigations related to the client’s guilt or innocence and potential sentences. Collect and maintain evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws. Prepare for trial by filing pretrial motions, developing plea negotiation strategies, securing assistance from experts, and formulating a defense theory based on investigative findings. Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare briefing for argument on motions. Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to the selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if potential jurors are suitable. Preserve legal errors for appellate review on all applicable grounds. Serve as co‑counsel as assigned. Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff. Perform administrative duties when asked. Level Descriptor Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Applicants must possess knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations for non‑capital trials, constitutional law, and the Oklahoma constitution; agency policies and procedures; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; and methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing. Skills required include critical thinking, legal research, written and oral communication, proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, attention to detail, and sound judgment. Abilities required include presenting facts and law clearly and logically, analyzing and applying laws and regulations, performing independent research, conducting Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, and Oklahoma State Court Network searches, meeting timelines following Oklahoma statutes, and representing the agency professionally. Education and Experience Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree and be in good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or be eligible for admission. Alternatively, applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. Special Requirements Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct and be willing and able to fulfill all job‑related travel normally associated with this position. Benefits Highlights OIDS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their dependents: Generous state‑paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums. Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre‑existing condition exclusions or limitations. Life, supplemental life, dependent life, and disability insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care. Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs. 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year for full‑time employees (amounts increase with years of service). 11 paid holidays. Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match. Longevity bonus for years of service. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co