ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

10h • $111,118 - $127,672

About The Position

To serve as legislative liaison for the Office of the Public Defender; to provide legal representation to indigent individuals accused of violating the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island.

Requirements

• A thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws
• A thorough knowledge of trial advocacy skills
• A thorough knowledge of substantive constitutional law
• A thorough knowledge of the criteria for developing, implementing, and evaluating legal training programs
• The ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients assigned
• Graduation from a law school of recognized standing
• Employment as a practicing attorney specializing in criminal trial work in private practice or in public service, or any combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to the above
• Admission to the Rhode Island Bar

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Legislative Liaison in a fast-paced, professional environment where you will assist with all aspects of general assembly hearing preparation.
• Review and highlight proposed legislation that impacts the Office of the Public Defender.
• Draft written testimony, attend legislative sessions and committee hearings.
• Draft or assist in drafting legislation, amendments, and communication regarding state legislative matters.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all legislative activities each year and update all staff of pertinent legislative changes.
• Provide legal representation to indigent individuals accused of violating the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island.
• Representation includes all stages of legal proceedings in our state district, superior courts, and Supreme Court such as jury trials, non-jury trials, evidentiary hearings, (i.e. bail hearings, probable cause hearings, probation violation hearings, etc.), pretrial conferences, filings, arguing of motions and memoranda; it will include the conducting of legal research, client consultation (i.e. advising and counseling of client), and the provision of effective and quality representation to each individual as mandated by the Rhode Island and United States Constitutions.
• Maintaining accurate and complete files with entries made in a timely manner, and providing such reporting as may be required.
• Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients.
• Periodic preparation of documents supporting office programs and funding.
• Participating in public defender community programs.
• Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations as required.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees.
• Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit.
• Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system.
• At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees