Attorney 2

Georgia Department of Revenue•Augusta, GA

12d

About The Position

The Augusta Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office, within the Georgia Public Defender Council, is seeking an Assistant Public Defender 2 to provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients in Juvenile Court. The position emphasizes a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Georgia and be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia, subject to the stated minimum-qualification alternatives. Prior experience representing children in criminal or civil proceedings is preferred. The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications and any qualifications specific to the job responsibilities. The position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director and includes other related duties as required. The Attorney represents clients throughout court proceedings, prepares and argues motions, conducts trials, negotiates resolutions, investigates and develops cases and defense strategies, researches and drafts legal materials, advises and communicates with clients, and coordinates with court personnel and other parties. The role also involves maintaining case records and documentation, securing mitigating evidence and services, and keeping current with relevant legal developments.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a 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, or reciprocity, together with one year of relevant legal experience; alternatively, one year of experience at the lower-level Attorney 1 (LEP020).
One or more years of experience as a practicing attorney.
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.
Proficiency in the essential duties and responsibilities.
Ability to make sound, well-informed decisions, assess their impact and implications, act in uncertain situations to accomplish organizational goals, and effect change.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
High commitment to work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience representing children in criminal or civil proceedings.
Three or more years of experience practicing in Juvenile/Youth Court as well as SB440 in Superior Court.

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 other courtroom proceedings.
Negotiate on behalf of clients, prepare and argue motions, conduct jury selection, present opening and closing statements and evidence, question witnesses, and make appropriate objections and arguments.
Review discovery; interview clients; request and inspect records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepare exhibits; investigate alternative explanations; follow 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 and psychological or psychiatric evaluations; anticipate legal issues; and develop defense theories and case strategies.
Secure and argue mitigating evidence, negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys, and advise clients about accepting or rejecting plea offers.
Review police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, motions, and case-law updates; prepare and process legal documents and correspondence; 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 services for clients.
Research and interpret relevant case law and other relevant procedures or scientific topics; prepare briefs, motions and responses, case summaries, jury charges, and trial notes.
Develop supportive attorney-client relationships; explain clients' rights and the investigative and judicial processes; advise on 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.
Communicate and coordinate with prosecutors, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, clients' friends and family, probation officers, supervisors, government officials, coworkers, and the public.