Defense Counsel (Cleveland County)

State of Oklahoma • Norman, OK

3d • $68,700

About The Position

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS), the statewide public defender agency serving indigent clients throughout Oklahoma except Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, is seeking a full-time Defense Counsel for its Non-Capital Trial Division office in Cleveland County. The position represents indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic, and wildlife cases. Counsel provides competent legal advice and zealous advocacy throughout every phase of the criminal trial process. Positions may be filled at Levels I–VI depending on candidate experience. The minimum annual salary is $68,700; salary is commensurate with qualifications and the agency salary schedule.

Applicants should have a Juris Doctorate, active membership in good standing with the Oklahoma Bar or eligibility for admission, or be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. Counsel must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct and be willing and able to fulfill the job-related travel normally associated with the position.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, eligibility for admission, or scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws; regulations for non-capital trials; constitutional law and the Oklahoma Constitution; agency policies and procedures; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; and legal research and writing methods and techniques.
• Skills in critical thinking, legal research, written and oral communication, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), attention to detail, judgment, and decision-making.
• Ability to present statements of fact and law; articulate positions clearly and logically in writing and speech; analyze, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; conduct and direct independent, difficult research; analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems; conduct legal research using Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based resources; meet timelines while following Oklahoma statutes; and represent the agency professionally.
• Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Must be willing and able to fulfill job-related travel normally associated with the position.

Responsibilities

• Manage cases, including maintaining complete and accurate files of pleadings and orders.
• Communicate with clients about all aspects of their cases, including plea negotiations and post-judgment proceedings, in accordance with agency policy and standards so clients can make informed decisions about legal representation.
• Communicate with clients’ friends and family to obtain relevant information without disclosing privileged communications or confidential information.
• Conduct independent and expeditious investigations related to clients’ guilt or innocence and potential sentences.
• Collect and maintain investigation evidence in accordance with established standards and laws.
• Prepare for trial by filing pretrial motions, developing plea negotiation strategies based on jurisdictional practices and policies and client input, securing expert assistance, and formulating a defense theory based on investigation information.
• Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare arguments for motions.
• Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedures and developing questions and challenges to assess potential jurors’ suitability.
• Preserve applicable legal error for appellate review.
• Serve as co-counsel as assigned.
• Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff.
• Perform administrative duties when requested.

Benefits

• State-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• Choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing-condition exclusions or limitations.
• Life, supplemental life, dependent life, and disability insurance plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care or dependent care expenses.
• Employee assistance program and health and fitness programs.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year for full-time employees; leave amounts increase with years of service.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• Longevity bonus for years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree