Senior Assistant Public Defender

Hall County•Gainesville, GA

4d•$81,032 - $102,166

About The Position

Under broad supervision, the Senior Assistant Public Defender directs and administers staff engaged in defending felony jury and non-jury cases handled by a Circuit Public Defender Office. The role advises attorneys on case-management practices and requires mastery of litigation, including extensive and significant experience as lead counsel in felony jury trials. The position supervises staff and casework, supports senior management and legal staff on legal matters, coordinates due-process and appeals procedures, and prepares and conducts cases through trial and subsequent appeals. It also guides staff development and training, maintains current legal knowledge, and promotes effective, respectful, and high-performing office operations.

Requirements

Completion of a law degree.
Three years of relevant legal experience, or three years of experience at the lower level as an Assistant Public Defender.
License to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination; some positions may not allow the eligibility clause.
Knowledge of statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations, and departmental policy.
Ability to perform research and analysis.
Ability to draft legal instruments, contracts, proposed legislation, and legal opinions.
Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts and present them clearly and logically in oral and written form.
Ability to determine compliance with rules and regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to monitor staff for compliance with state standards and federal regulations.
Ability to serve as legal advisor to executives, management, and staff.
Physical ability to remain stationary, operate a computer and office machinery, think analytically, handle stress and emotion, concentrate, remember details, examine details, make decisions, adjust to change, direct others, meet deadlines, stay organized, perform calculations, and use a keyboard.
Ability to move around inside the office and move or transport items weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to occasionally bend, twist, reach overhead, push or pull, and repetitively use hands, arms, or legs.
Ability to use effective verbal and written communication, hand-eye coordination, and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience in a legal setting, including supervision of licensed attorneys.

Responsibilities

Direct, administer, and supervise legal service activities for the Circuit Public Defender Office.
Supervise and review staff activities in assigned cases and evaluate performance to maintain unit efficiency and productivity.
Identify unit problems, develop and implement solutions, and initiate actions to provide prompt, efficient service.
Provide advice, counsel, support, and technical assistance to senior management and staff on legal matters; respond to requests with information, opinions, and recommendations.
Advise professional staff on applicable laws, regulations, and their legal ramifications.
Respond to inquiries regarding legal determinations and provide written responses or reports to interested parties.
Review subpoenas, court orders, affidavits, and other legal documents and advise staff.
Coordinate and implement due-process procedures and appeals procedures under applicable legislation.
Prepare and coordinate cases for subsequent appeals.
Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information to develop case strategies.
Appear with and for defendants in court and make appropriate motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law.
Participate in jury selection and make opening statements, final arguments, and summations in the defense of accused persons.
Prepare petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argue in appropriate forums.
Present oral arguments and evidence; conduct direct and cross-examinations and ask appropriate questions and follow-ups.
Prepare and coordinate cases before and during trials.
Investigate cases, gather information, and identify and review facts and issues to prepare for trial.
Gather documents, secure and prepare witnesses, prepare exhibits, and prepare for court appearances.
Compile and submit evidence, legal documents, reports, and statements in connection with litigation or mitigation.
Provide management with input and feedback on policies, programs, and staff training; develop, implement, and supervise professional-development programs in capital litigation.
Seek quality improvements and identify ways to improve office operations.
Guide defense teams in selecting relevant professional education programs.
Determine training needs based on changes in the law and provide or arrange training, including education on requirements of specific laws.
Maintain and improve professional effectiveness by keeping current with case law, judicial opinions, and developments through literature, seminars, and conferences, and applying relevant knowledge to the work.
Accept responsibility for personal professional growth and attend professional education programs or seminars as mandated by law.
Create and maintain a high-performance environment through positive leadership, team orientation, shared goals, regular communication, feedback, and corrective action when needed.
Interact with all levels of state government in a respectful and cooperative manner that contributes to excellent performance.
Treat customers fairly and communicate accurate information professionally and courteously.
Accept supervisory direction and feedback, take responsibility for mistakes, use established communication channels, and follow through appropriately.
Perform other relevant work as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.