STAFF ATTORNEY II

State of careers Rhode Island•Providence, RI

About The Position

Maintaining accurate and complete files with entries made in a timely manner, and providing such reporting as may be required. Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients. Participating in periodic evaluations. Periodic preparation of documents supporting office programs and funding. Participating in public defender training and community programs. Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations as required. 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. Related work as required. Representation of indigent defendants and respondents in all cases assigned. 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.

Requirements

A thorough knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws
A thorough knowledge of the problems inherent in the criminal justice field
The ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients assigned
The ability to meet and deal effectively with officials of the State, Court, or local prosecution
The ability to conduct special research projects
The ability to prepare detailed factual reports
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.
A J.D. from an accredited law school
Admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission.

Responsibilities

Maintaining accurate and complete files with entries made in a timely manner, and providing such reporting as may be required.
Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients.
Participating in periodic evaluations.
Periodic preparation of documents supporting office programs and funding.
Participating in public defender training and community programs.
Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations as required.
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.
Related work as required.
Representation of indigent defendants and respondents in all cases assigned.
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.