Defense Counsel (Clinton)

State of Oklahoma • Clinton, NE

9d

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 in Clinton. The position provides legal representation in non-capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, throughout all phases of assigned cases. Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic, and wildlife cases, providing competent legal advice and zealous advocacy throughout the criminal trial process. Positions may be filled at Levels I–VI depending on the candidate’s experience. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and the agency salary schedule.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor 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 facts and law; articulate positions clearly and logically in writing and orally; analyze, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; independently conduct difficult research and apply legal principles and precedents to complex legal or factual problems; research using Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and print or internet legal resources; meet timelines while following Oklahoma statutes; and represent the agency professionally.
• Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Level I: Fewer than 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
• Level II: 3 or more years of relevant criminal litigation experience and 1 or more years of criminal trial experience.
• Level III: 3 or more years of relevant criminal litigation experience and 2 or more years of criminal trial experience.
• Level IV: 3 or more years of relevant criminal litigation experience and 3 or more years of criminal trial experience.
• Level V: 3 or more years of relevant criminal litigation experience and 4 or more years of criminal trial experience.
• Level VI: 3 or more years of relevant criminal litigation experience and 5 or more years of criminal trial experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage cases at all phases of direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, 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, so they can make informed decisions about representation.
• Communicate with clients’ friends and family to obtain pertinent information while protecting privileged communications and confidential information.
• Conduct independent and timely investigations relating 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 with client input, securing expert assistance, and formulating a defense theory based on investigative information.
• Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare arguments on motions.
• Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedures and developing questions and challenges to assess prospective jurors.
• Preserve applicable legal errors for appellate review.
• Serve as co-counsel when assigned.
• Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff.
• Perform administrative duties when requested.

Benefits

• Generous 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; 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