Defense Counsel (Poteau)

State of Oklahoma • Poteau, OK

9d • Onsite

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 the Poteau office. Defense Counsel represents indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic, and wildlife cases. The position 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. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and within the agency salary schedule.

Applicants should have a Juris Doctorate, active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma or eligibility for admission, or be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. The position requires compliance with the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct and willingness and ability to fulfill the job-related travel normally associated with the role.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree, active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma or 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, sound 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, agency policies, and procedures; conduct or direct independent, difficult legal research and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems; use Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based legal 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 all job-related travel normally associated with the position.

Responsibilities

• Manage cases, 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 pertinent information without disclosing privileged communications or confidential information.
• Conduct independent and expeditious investigations concerning clients’ guilt or innocence and potential sentences.
• Collect and maintain evidence obtained through investigations 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 investigative information.
• Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for motion briefing and argument.
• Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedures and developing questions and challenges to assess potential jurors.
• Preserve legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds.
• Serve as co-counsel as assigned.
• Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff.
• Perform administrative duties when asked.

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.
• For full-time employees, 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year, with amounts increasing 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