Chief Attorney 1 -- Director Of Municipal Division (4703-47)
About The Position
The Municipal Director is responsible for assisting the Public Defender in managing the Law Office of the Public Defender’s Municipal Division. The Municipal Director will be accountable for all actions of the Municipal attorneys, support staff, and investigators. Additionally, in coordination with the Public Defender, the Municipal Director will be responsible for implementing the operational goals, objectives, policies and procedures necessary to provide effective representation for indigent clients who are charged with a misdemeanor offense. The Municipal Director will also assign work, monitor and assist in case-load management, supervise and evaluate the Municipal Division’s legal staff & support staff. Additional duties include supervision, oversight and coverage, when necessary, of the Municipal Division by providing direction and guidance for case preparation, trial strategy, client contact and communication, plea negotiation, and sentencing advocacy. The Municipal Director will conduct monthly meetings with the Team Leaders and head administrator to discuss common issues or problems and potential solutions thereof. The Municipal Director will be the liaison for the Law Office of the Public Defender to the Municipal Court and any ancillary offices. The Municipal Director will review and determine whether to approve all Municipal Panel applications. Furthermore, the Director will oversee the panel and investigate issues clients may have with their Panel representation. The Municipal Director will develop and coordinate with the Training Director, an orientation program for all new Municipal staff attorneys. Furthermore, the Director will work with the Training Director on recruiting and hiring all new Municipal attorneys. The Municipal Director will work with the Municipal Team Leaders in training, evaluating, and assisting Municipal staff attorneys. The Municipal Director will be responsible for investigating any behavior by any Municipal staff member that could result in suspension, demotion, firing, or placing that person on a Performance Improvement Plan. The Director will also decide, with input of other office leaders, to recommend to the Public Defender what actions, if any, are to be done after investigation. The Public Defender will make the final decision as to any suspension, demotion, firing or placing that staff member on a Performance Improvement Plan. The Municipal Director is responsible for signing off on and implementing such a plan or action if one is put in place. The Municipal Director oversees and has final approval of all vacation, sick, personal, and Flex leave. The Municipal Director will handle inquiries from clients and/or client’s family members regarding the representation being provided by staff attorneys or panel attorneys. The Municipal Director will work in conjunction with the Public Defender, in developing and maintaining relationships with community groups and organizations within the Cincinnati area who can serve as resources for clients.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in the state of Ohio.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Working knowledge of substantive legal issues regularly addressed by attorneys in criminal law.
- History of a demonstrated commitment to providing criminal legal services to indigent clients.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Nice To Haves
- Leadership, supervision, and management skills preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Public Defender in managing the Law Office of the Public Defender’s Municipal Division
- Accountable for all actions of the Municipal attorneys, support staff, and investigators
- Responsible for implementing the operational goals, objectives, policies and procedures necessary to provide effective representation for indigent clients who are charged with a misdemeanor offense
- Assign work, monitor and assist in case-load management, supervise and evaluate the Municipal Division’s legal staff & support staff
- Provide direction and guidance for case preparation, trial strategy, client contact and communication, plea negotiation, and sentencing advocacy
- Conduct monthly meetings with the Team Leaders and head administrator to discuss common issues or problems and potential solutions thereof
- Liaison for the Law Office of the Public Defender to the Municipal Court and any ancillary offices
- Review and determine whether to approve all Municipal Panel applications
- Oversee the panel and investigate issues clients may have with their Panel representation
- Develop and coordinate with the Training Director, an orientation program for all new Municipal staff attorneys
- Work with the Training Director on recruiting and hiring all new Municipal attorneys
- Work with the Municipal Team Leaders in training, evaluating, and assisting Municipal staff attorneys
- Responsible for investigating any behavior by any Municipal staff member that could result in suspension, demotion, firing, or placing that person on a Performance Improvement Plan
- Oversees and has final approval of all vacation, sick, personal, and Flex leave
- Handle inquiries from clients and/or client’s family members regarding the representation being provided by staff attorneys or panel attorneys
- Work in conjunction with the Public Defender, in developing and maintaining relationships with community groups and organizations within the Cincinnati area who can serve as resources for clients
- Implement policies to maximize the collective power of the division
- Conduct or oversee and approve performance evaluations for all Municipal staff
- Liaison to the Hamilton County Municipal Court, its collateral agencies, and City and County Prosecutors
- Authority to act on behalf of the office in matters affecting our office and our clients
- Consult with superiors on any matter of consequence
- “Trouble-shoot” the Court House: Accessible in person or by cell phone throughout the day
- Responsible for unrepresented defendants who are locked up or whose mental illness or physical or intellectual disability interferes with the ability to obtain counsel
- Advocate and participate in the operation and development of Specialty Dockets, Diversion, and other programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
