Attorney 4

Georgia Department of Revenue•Statesboro, GA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Georgia Public Defender Council’s Ogeechee Judicial Circuit is hiring an Assistant Public Defender 4 in Bulloch County. The role primarily represents indigent clients in criminal matters before Superior Court and provides competent, diligent, and zealous legal representation. As an expert-level attorney, the position handles serious, high-profile, and complex felony cases, including the office’s most significant assigned matters, and independently manages litigation strategy, investigation, motions, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy. The position requires advanced legal judgment and strong trial skills to address complex legal and factual issues. Criminal-defense experience representing clients from arrest through trial is preferred. Applicants must be in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia and demonstrate a strong commitment to indigent defense work. The position involves representing clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, investigating and preparing cases, negotiating resolutions, conducting legal research, and drafting and presenting complex legal documents. The attorney also coordinates with clients, courts, witnesses, experts, prosecutors, and other stakeholders; maintains case records; and advises clients about their rights, case status, and available courses of action. The position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director. 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, followed by passing the examination and obtaining Georgia licensure within one year of hiring, or 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.
Knowledge of investigating and preparing 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 impacts and implications of decisions and acting under uncertainty to accomplish organizational goals and effect change.
Ability to manage own time and others’ time, with initiative in completing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
Strong commitment to work and high ethical standards.
Good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
Strong commitment to indigent defense work.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Attend court appearances; create, update, and close case files; record case-related information and activities; review calendars; and coordinate with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
Represent clients in court at arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing proceedings, post-adjudication and post-conviction hearings, appeals, and related proceedings; negotiate on clients’ behalf; prepare and argue motions; conduct jury selection; present opening and closing statements and evidence; question witnesses; and make objections and arguments.
Review discovery; interview clients; 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; prepare clients for trial; obtain and interview expert witnesses; assess the need for psychological or psychiatric evaluation; anticipate legal issues; and develop defense theories and case strategies.
Review police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, case-law updates, and other documentation; prepare and process forms, reports, correspondence, motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compile data; and maintain computerized or hard-copy 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.
Argue mitigating evidence, negotiate resolutions with assistant district attorneys, and advise clients about whether to accept or reject plea offers.
Research relevant case law and other relevant scientific, procedural, or technical subjects; 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, alternative courses of action, and case status.
Attend relevant conferences, seminars, meetings, and training; keep current with 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, colleagues, and the public to coordinate work, exchange information, provide legal counsel, or resolve problems.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Serve at the pleasure of the Executive Director.