Attorney 4

Public Defender Council, Georgia•Statesboro, GA

16d

About The Position

The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit is hiring an Assistant Public Defender 4 in Bulloch County to represent indigent clients in criminal matters before Superior Court. This expert-level attorney handles serious, high-profile, and complex felony cases, including the office’s most significant matters, and independently manages all aspects of litigation, from case strategy and investigation through motion practice, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy. The role requires advanced legal judgment, strong trial skills, and the ability to address complex legal and factual issues. Criminal defense experience representing clients from arrest through trial is preferred. Candidates must be in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia and demonstrate a strong commitment to indigent defense. The position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director. The attorney provides competent, diligent, and zealous representation, manages cases through court proceedings, negotiates resolutions, conducts legal research, and prepares and presents complex legal documents. The role also involves extensive client communication, case investigation, coordination with courts and justice-system participants, and the preparation and maintenance of case records. Applicants should apply through Team Georgia Careers and submit a cover letter and resume to Renata Newbill-Jallow at [email protected].

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in Georgia; alternatively, eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination, pass it, and obtain Georgia licensure within one year of hiring, or qualify through reciprocity.
Three years of relevant legal experience, or three years of experience at the lower-level Attorney 3 position.
Knowledge of case research and documentation.
Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local criminal laws.
Ability to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.
Ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities effectively.
Experience supervising and planning the work of assigned staff.
Sound decision-making, including understanding the impact of decisions and acting in uncertain situations to accomplish organizational goals.
Effective time management, initiative, and ability to meet deadlines.
Excellent written and spoken communication and interpersonal skills.
High commitment to work and strong ethical conduct.
Good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
Strong commitment to indigent defense work.

Nice To Haves

Experience in criminal defense representing clients from the date of arrest through trial.

Responsibilities

Attend scheduled court appearances; open, update, document, and close case files; 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 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 and criminal histories; interview clients and witnesses; request and inspect records and evidence; investigate defense leads and alternative explanations; observe crime scenes; and identify alibis and witnesses.
Subpoena and prepare witnesses, prepare clients for trial, determine whether expert witnesses are needed, procure and interview experts, and assess the need for psychological or psychiatric evaluations.
Develop defense theories and case strategies, anticipate legal issues, and independently manage litigation, investigation, motion practice, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy.
Review police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, motions, case law updates, and other documentation; prepare and process motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; 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 about accepting or rejecting plea offers.
Research case law and relevant procedures or scientific matters, prepare briefs and motions and responses, write case summaries, draft jury charges, and prepare 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.
Communicate with prosecutors, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, clients’ friends and family, probation officers, supervisors, government officials, employees, and members of the public to coordinate work and exchange information or resolve problems.
Perform other duties as assigned.