Assistant Public Defender

The West Virginia State Bar; Madison (WV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Defender Corporation for Boone and Lincoln Counties is seeking an attorney who can adapt and grow across criminal, abuse and neglect, and juvenile law. This position may be entry-level or filled by an experienced lawyer, with pay based on experience.

Based in Madison, WV, the assistant public defender will handle magistrate and circuit court matters, gaining hands-on experience while serving indigent clients in West Virginia’s criminal justice system.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law in West Virginia.
• Graduate from an accredited law school.
• Entrylevel or experienced candidate; adaptable and eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on criminal and civil matters.
• Read and apply laws and court rules in proceedings.
• Prepare motions, orders, and client letters.
• Represent clients in magistrate and circuit court.
• Negotiate favorable agreements for clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stay updated on legal precedents.

Skills

Legal administration

Communication skills

Legal research

Negotiation

Legal drafting

Westlaw & LexisNexis

Litigation

Analytical thinking

Education

WV bar admission

Law degree from accredited school

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Job description

The Office of the Public Defender for Boone and Lincoln Counties is currently hiring. The right candidate is an attorney who can adapt, learn, and practice in a number of court‑appointed areas of law including criminal law, abuse and neglect law, and juvenile law. The position can function as an entry level position, or it can be filled by an experienced lawyer.

Pay is based upon the experience of the attorney. We encourage newly admitted attorneys in West Virginia to apply. Our office has a number of experienced attorneys who are willing to help you learn and grow in your legal practice.

The Public Defender Corporation for Boone and Lincoln Counties is a small non‑profit law office dedicated to defending indigent clients in West Virginia’s criminal justice system through court appointment.

This position will be based out of the Public Defender’s Madison, West Virginia office. Madison is roughly 30 minutes outside the Capitol City of Charleston, West Virginia. The Assistant Public Defender will primarily practice in the magistrate court and circuit court of Boone County and will gain significant hands‑on experience in court.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on various issues.
• Read and become familiar with the laws and court rules in criminal and civil proceedings.
• Prepare and draft legal documents, such as motions, orders, and client letters.
• Represent clients in court proceedings from circuit court and magistrate court.
• Negotiate agreements that are favorable to the client.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues on complex cases.
• Stay up‑to‑date with changes in the law and legal precedents.

Skills

• Strong legal administrative skills, including organization, and time management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex legal ideas in everyday language.
• Proficient in conducting thorough legal research.
• Ability to negotiate effectively on behalf of clients’ positions.
• Proficient in legal drafting with emphasis on motions practice.
• Familiarity with legal research tools such as Westlaw and Lexis‑Nexis.
• Willingness to litigate cases in court.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Requirements: The applicant must be currently admitted to practice law in the State of West Virginia and graduated from an accredited law school.

If you are a dedicated attorney looking for a challenging yet rewarding opportunity in public service, we encourage you to apply.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Chief Public Defender Tim Gibson at [e-mail], via fax at [phone], or by mail to the Public Defender Corporation for Boone and Lincoln Counties, 320 Main Street, Madison, WV 25130.