STAFF ATTORNEY II

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

2d • $83,319 - $94,319 • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking a Staff Attorney II to provide legal representation to indigent defendants and respondents in all assigned cases. This role involves intake processing, collecting background information, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparing for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and maintaining client contact. The attorney will also need to stay current on relevant federal and state law and procedures.

Requirements

• Graduation from a law school of recognized standing.
• Employment as a practicing attorney or previous experience in a responsible position in a related field.
• A J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws.
• Thorough knowledge of the problems inherent in the criminal justice field.
• Ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients assigned.
• Ability to meet and deal effectively with officials of the State, Court, or local prosecution.
• Ability to conduct special research projects.
• Ability to prepare detailed factual reports.
• Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients.
• Thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant law and procedure.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the legal interests of assigned clients pertaining to the technical and legal aspects in the relevant legal specialty.
• Represent clients at a variety of court proceedings, including but not limited to hearings, conferences, oral arguments, and trials.
• Provide legal assistance to inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions, Training School, any federal penitentiary, or any state prison requesting assistance from the Office of the Public Defender for the purpose of resolving pending criminal charges.
• Provide technical and legal assistance to any other assistant public defender as required.
• Prepare detailed reports and recommendations.
• Respond to requests for technical and/or legal advice as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Remain knowledgeable about federal and state law, as relevant to the legal specialty practiced.
• Prepare briefs for memorandum and/or argument.
• Prepare legal research necessary to conduct a criminal trial or hearing.
• Maintain accurate and complete files with entries made in a timely manner, and providing such reporting as may be required.
• Participate in periodic evaluations.
• Periodic preparation of documents supporting office programs and funding.
• Participate in public defender training and community programs.
• Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations as required.
• Maintain frequent contact and a good working relationship with client.
• Related work as required.

Benefits

• Information regarding benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees can be found on the Office of Employee Benefits' website.
• Direct deposit for all employees is required.
• New hires are required to participate in the direct deposit system.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level