Assistant Public Defender II

Rockdale County, Georgia•Conyers, GA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Public Defender II is responsible for providing competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients across various courts, including Magistrate, Traffic, State, and Superior Courts. The role involves attending court appearances, managing case data, and coordinating with court administration, clients, witnesses, and experts. Key duties include representing clients at all stages of legal proceedings, from arraignments to appeals, negotiating on their behalf, and preparing and arguing motions. The position requires thorough case preparation, including reviewing discovery, interviewing clients and witnesses, inspecting records, observing crime scenes, and developing defense theories. The Assistant Public Defender II also secures and argues mitigating evidence, negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys, and advises clients on plea offers. Additionally, the role involves extensive legal research, drafting legal documents, and maintaining a trusting attorney-client relationship by explaining rights and providing case updates. Continuous professional development through conferences and training is also expected, along with effective communication with all parties involved in the legal process. Work is assigned by the Public Defender and/or management team in terms of department goals, objectives, and priorities.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
License to practice law in the State of Georgia.
Two (2) years of experience required at the Assistant Public Defender I level, OR Two or more year(s) of experience as a practicing attorney.
Valid State of Georgia Driver's License.
Knowledge to conduct case research and documentation.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.
Knowledge to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.
Proficiency in the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities.
Ability to make sound and well-informed decisions; perceive the impact and implications of decisions; commit to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; cause change.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
High level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

Attend scheduled court appearances; input, and record case-related data and notes, log case activities, and close files; receive and review calendars; and coordinate with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
Represent 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.
Negotiate at all stages on behalf of the client; prepare and argue motions; conduct jury selection, make opening and closing statements, present evidence, and question witnesses; and make appropriate objections and arguments.
Review discovery; interview clients in and out of custody; request and inspect records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepare graphics and exhibits; explore alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follow up on defense leads; identify and interview witnesses and alibis; observe crime scenes; subpoena witnesses and prepare them for trial; prepare clients for trial; determine the need for, procure, and interview expert witnesses; assess the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipate legal issues; develop defense theory and case strategies.
Secure and argue mitigating evidence; negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys and advise clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.
Receive and review various documentation, including police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, and case law updates; review, complete, process, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepare or complete various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including a variety of motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compile data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports, and maintain computerized and/or hardcopy records.
Secure mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; review court orders and case plans; file related requests, motions, and appeals; advocate for the client; and secure additional services for the client.
Argue mitigating evidence; negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advise clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.
Research relevant case law and interpret in relation to the facts of the case; research the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepare briefs and motions and responses to same; write case summaries; draft jury charges; and make trial notes.
Develop trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explain and advise clients regarding their rights, the investigative and judicial process, and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provide updates regarding case status.
Attend conferences, seminars, meetings, and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keep abreast of legal changes and participate in professional organizations.
Communicate with prosecuting attorneys, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, client friends and family, probation officers, supervisors, 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.
Perform any related duties as required by proper authority.