Attorney 1

Public Defender Council, Georgia•Americus, GA

About The Position

The Georgia Public Defender Council’s Southwestern Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office is seeking 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. The role is subject to the pleasure of the Executive Director. The Assistant Public Defender handles or assists with clients’ representation throughout criminal proceedings, including court appearances, investigation and case preparation, hearings, trials, sentencing, and related post-adjudication proceedings. The position also manages case records and documentation, communicates with clients and other case participants, conducts legal research, negotiates resolutions, and advocates for clients’ interests. 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 a Georgia Bar examination and obtain licensure within the specified period. The posting states that eligible candidates may sit for the February or July 2027 Bar Exam. Interested applicants are instructed to apply through Team Georgia Careers and email a cover letter and resume to David Winheim.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
Georgia license to practice law, or eligibility to sit for a Georgia Bar examination followed by passage and licensure within one year of hiring; reciprocity is also noted, but a law license must be obtained.
Demonstrated 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 impacts and implications, and act to accomplish organizational goals, including in uncertain situations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
High commitment to work and high standard of ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

Attend scheduled court appearances; create and maintain case files and records; review calendars; and coordinate with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
Represent clients at arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing proceedings, 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 expert witnesses; assess the need for psychological or psychiatric evaluations; and develop defense theories and strategies.
Review police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, case law updates, and other documentation; prepare and process motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, departmental reports, and other records.
Secure mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; review court orders and case plans; file related requests, motions, and appeals; advocate for clients; and obtain additional services for clients.
Present mitigating evidence, negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys, and advise clients about whether to accept or reject plea offers.
Research and interpret relevant case law and other relevant procedures or scientific concepts; prepare briefs, motions, and responses; write case summaries; draft jury charges; and prepare trial notes.
Develop 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.