Attorney 1

Georgia Department of Revenue•Griffin, GA

16d

About The Position

The Griffin Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender 1 for Spalding County. The attorney provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal cases in Superior Court, performing beginning-level professional legal work and potentially assisting with cases of routine complexity. Representation may cover all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. The selected candidate serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director. Applicants 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 Georgia licensure within one year of hiring, subject to the position's eligibility clause. 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 Georgia licensure within one year of hiring, where the eligibility clause is permitted.
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 state or departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to make sound, well-informed decisions, understand their impact and implications, act in uncertain situations to accomplish organizational goals, and cause change.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
High commitment to work and high ethical standards.

Responsibilities

Attend scheduled court appearances; create and maintain case files and records; track case activities; review calendars; and coordinate with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
Represent clients at court proceedings, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication and post-conviction hearings, appeals, and related courtroom proceedings.
Negotiate on clients' behalf, 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; request and inspect records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepare graphics and exhibits; investigate defense leads and alternative explanations; identify and interview witnesses and alibis; observe crime scenes; subpoena and prepare witnesses; prepare clients for trial; obtain and interview experts; assess the need for psychological or psychiatric evaluations; anticipate legal issues; and develop defense theories and strategies.
Review and process police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, case law updates, and other documentation; prepare motions, orders, correspondence, petitions, briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compile data; and maintain computerized and 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 about accepting or rejecting plea offers.
Research relevant case law and other relevant terms, procedures, or science; prepare briefs, motions and responses, case summaries, jury charges, and trial notes.
Build supportive attorney-client relationships; explain and advise clients about their rights, the investigative and judicial process, and 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.