Attorney 1

Georgia Department of Revenue•Griffin, GA

About The Position

The Griffin Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender 1 for Spalding County. The position provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal cases in Superior Court. This is beginning-level professional legal work and may involve assisting with cases of routine complexity. The attorney represents clients throughout criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. The position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director. Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and be licensed to practice law in Georgia, or be eligible to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination and obtain passage and licensure within one year of hiring, or qualify through reciprocity. Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause. Applicants must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia, as stated in the posting. Applicants should apply through Team Georgia Careers and email a cover letter, resume, and references to William Imhoff at [email protected].

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
License to practice law in Georgia, or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by passage and licensure within one year of hiring, or reciprocity; the posting notes some positions may not allow the eligibility clause.
Current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia, as stated in the job description.
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 relevant state or departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to make sound, well-informed decisions, understand their impact and implications, and act amid uncertainty to accomplish organizational goals and effect change.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
High commitment to work and high standards of ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

Attend scheduled court appearances; create, maintain, and close case files; record case data, notes, and activities; review calendars; and coordinate with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
Represent clients in court throughout case proceedings, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication and post-conviction hearings, appeals, and related proceedings.
Negotiate on behalf of clients; prepare and argue motions; conduct jury selection; make opening and closing statements; present evidence; 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; investigate alternative explanations; follow up on defense leads; identify and interview witnesses and alibis; observe crime scenes; subpoena and prepare witnesses; and prepare clients for trial.
Determine the need for expert witnesses, procure and interview them, assess whether clients need psychological or psychiatric evaluations, anticipate legal issues, and develop defense theories and case strategies.
Review police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, and case law updates; process and retain documentation as appropriate; prepare forms, reports, correspondence, motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compile data; and maintain computerized or hardcopy 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 client services.
Argue mitigating evidence; negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advise clients on accepting or rejecting plea offers.
Research relevant case law and interpret it in relation to case facts; research relevant terms, procedures, or science in other fields; prepare briefs, motions, and responses; write case summaries; draft jury charges; and make trial notes.
Develop supportive attorney-client relationships; explain and advise clients about their rights and the investigative and judicial processes, discuss alternative 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.