Public Defender 1 - Davenport

State of Iowa•Davenport - 52801 - Scott County, IA

16h

About The Position

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney to serve as a Public Defender 1 in its Davenport office in Scott County, Iowa. The office’s mission is to provide indigent people in Iowa with high-quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner. In this trainee-level role, the attorney advocates for indigent clients in assigned cases throughout the criminal justice system and receives training and mentoring from experienced public defenders in a supportive environment focused on professional growth. The attorney represents clients in court, prepares defenses through legal research and fact gathering, conducts discovery, negotiates case dispositions, and works with clients on case strategy and trial preparation. The role also involves identifying legal issues, drafting motions and briefs and other documents, maintaining client files and communications, and preparing time reports and closing files in accordance with office policies. The attorney may direct investigators consistent with internal office policies.

Requirements

Must have graduated from an accredited law school.
Must possess a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa before commencing employment in this job classification.

Responsibilities

Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at every stage of the criminal justice system at a trainee level.
Represent clients at pretrial hearings, bench or jury trials, sentencings, and other court hearings.
Prepare defenses by conducting legal research, gathering facts, and interviewing clients and witnesses.
Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, and handle plea withdrawals and suppression motions.
Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other case dispositions with prosecuting attorneys.
Work with clients to discuss information, plan case strategy, and prepare for trial.
Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answer their questions.
Identify legal issues, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs.
Prepare legal documents, including written arraignments, written guilty pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.
May direct investigators in accordance with internal office policies.
Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files in accordance with office policies.

Benefits

Health, dental, life, and vision insurance.
Paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
Professional development opportunities.
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package.
Retirement Investors Club employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee discount programs.
Access to an on-site employee fitness center at the 6200 Park Avenue location only.
Work-life balance.