Senior Assistant Public Defender

Hall County•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

Under broad supervision, the Senior Assistant Public Defender directs and administers the staff engaged in defending felony jury and non-jury cases handled by a Circuit Public Defender Office. The role supervises casework and staff performance, advises attorneys on case-management practices, and provides legal advice and support to management and staff. It requires mastery of litigation and extensive, significant experience as lead counsel in felony jury trials. The position conducts legal research and develops case strategies; represents defendants in court; prepares and argues motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal instruments; and coordinates case preparation, trial, and appeals. It also develops and oversees professional-development and training programs, monitors legal developments, and promotes a high-performance, respectful, and cooperative work environment. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Other relevant work may be assigned.

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 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 conduct 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.
Ability to direct others, meet deadlines, stay organized, handle stress and emotion, concentrate, remember details, make decisions, and adjust to change.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Directs, administers, and supervises legal-service activities for the Circuit Public Defender Office.
Supervises and reviews staff activities in assigned cases and evaluates performance to maintain unit efficiency and productivity.
Identifies unit problems, develops and implements solutions, and initiates actions to provide efficient, prompt service.
Provides advice, counsel, support, and technical assistance to senior management and staff on legal matters.
Responds to legal-information requests with answers, opinions, recommendations, and written responses or reports.
Advises professional staff about applicable laws, regulations, and legal ramifications; reviews subpoenas, court orders, affidavits, and other legal documents.
Coordinates due-process procedures and appeals procedures, and prepares and coordinates cases for appeal.
Conducts legal research and analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other information to develop case strategies.
Appears with and for defendants in court; makes legal motions, pleas, and arguments; participates in jury selection; and delivers opening statements, final arguments, and summations.
Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in appropriate forums.
Presents oral arguments and evidence; conducts direct and cross-examinations; and asks appropriate questions and follow-ups.
Investigates cases, gathers information, and reviews facts and issues in preparation for trial.
Coordinates case preparation before and during trials, including gathering documents, preparing witnesses and exhibits, and preparing for court appearances.
Compiles and submits evidence, legal documents, reports, and statements related to litigation or mitigation.
Provides management with input and feedback on policies, programs, and staff training.
Develops, implements, and supervises professional-development programs in capital litigation and guides defense teams in selecting relevant education programs.
Identifies training needs resulting from changes in law and provides or arranges training, including education on specific legal requirements.
Maintains knowledge of case law, judicial opinions, trends, and developments through literature and required seminars or conferences, and applies new knowledge to the work.
Accepts responsibility for personal professional growth and attends mandated professional-education programs.
Creates and maintains a high-performance environment through positive leadership, team orientation, goal-setting, communication, feedback, and corrective action when needed.
Interacts with state-government personnel respectfully and cooperatively and treats customers fairly and professionally.
Accepts direction and feedback, takes responsibility for mistakes, uses established communication channels, and follows through appropriately.
Performs other relevant work as assigned and maintains regular, predictable attendance.