Defense Counsel (Claremore)

Defense Counsel (Claremore) The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is seeking a full‑time Defense Counsel in our Non‑Capital Trial Division, Claremore office. Responsibilities Defense Counsel represents indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases; provides competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process. Performs case management activities, maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders Communicates with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post‑judgement proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation Communicates with client’s friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence and potential sentences Collects and maintains evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws Prepares for trial by filing pre‑trial motions; develops plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client’s input; secures assistance from experts; formats a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds Serves as Co‑Counsel as assigned Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff Performs administrative duties when asked Qualifications Juris Doctorate degree and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission 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; techniques for legal research and writing Skills: critical thinking; legal research; written and oral communication; Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel); attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making Abilities: present statements of fact and law; articulate positions in written and oral form; analyze and apply laws, rules, regulations; conduct independent research; meet timelines per Oklahoma statutes; represent agency professionally Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct; willing and able to fulfill all job‑related travel normally associated with this position Benefits 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 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 State of Oklahoma