Attorney 1

Georgia Department of Revenue•Americus, GA

About The Position

The Southwestern Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is hiring an Assistant Public Defender 1 in Sumter County. The position provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal cases in Superior Court. It performs beginning-level professional legal work and may assist with cases of routine complexity. Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and be a current member of the State Bar of Georgia or eligible to sit for one of the next two Georgia Bar Exams (February or July 2027).

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
Current license to practice law in Georgia, or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination, pass it, and obtain Georgia licensure within one year of hiring; reciprocity may also apply. Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause.
Knowledge of case research and documentation.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.
Knowledge of investigating and preparing cases for hearings and trials.
Ability to perform essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply applicable state or departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to make sound, well-informed decisions, understand their impact, and act in uncertain situations to accomplish organizational goals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
High commitment to work and high standards of ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

Attend court appearances; create and maintain case files and records; review calendars; and coordinate with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
Represent clients in court at various stages of cases, negotiate on clients’ behalf, prepare and argue motions, conduct jury selection, present evidence, question witnesses, and make appropriate objections and arguments.
Review discovery and criminal histories; interview clients and witnesses; inspect records and evidence; investigate defense leads and alibis; observe crime scenes; prepare witnesses and clients for trial; procure and interview experts; assess the need for psychological or psychiatric evaluations; and develop defense theories and strategies.
Review and process police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, motions, case law updates, and other documentation; prepare forms, reports, correspondence, motions, orders, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; and maintain records.
Secure mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution, review court orders and case plans, file related requests, motions, and appeals, advocate for clients, and secure additional services.
Argue mitigating evidence, negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys, and advise clients about accepting or rejecting plea offers.
Research case law and other relevant subject matter; prepare briefs, motions, responses, case summaries, jury charges, and trial notes.
Develop supportive attorney-client relationships; explain clients’ rights and legal processes, advise on possible courses of action, and provide case-status updates.
Attend relevant conferences, seminars, meetings, and training; keep abreast of legal changes; and participate in professional organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned.