STAFF ATTORNEY II

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

1d • $85,819 - $97,149 • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney II position is within the Office of the Public Defender, Legal Division. This role involves representing indigent defendants and respondents in all assigned cases. Responsibilities include intake processing, collecting background information, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparing for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and other representation functions. The position requires maintaining frequent contact and a good working relationship with clients, and a thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant law and procedure.

Requirements

• A J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission.
• Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients.

Nice To Haves

• Such as may have been gained through graduation from a law school of recognized standing
• Such as may have been gained through employment as a practicing attorney or previous experience in a responsible position in a related field.

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.
• Representation may include, depending upon the area of specialty, intake processing, collection of background information concerning the client and offense, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparation for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and any other representation functions.
• Representation also includes maintaining frequent contact and a good working relationship with client, and thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant law and procedure.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• A new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees.
• Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system.
• At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

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