Assistant Public Defender 1 — Cordele Circuit

Gapubdef; Cordele (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cordele Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office in Cordele, GA seeks an Assistant Public Defender I to provide zealous representation for indigent clients in Superior Court. You will handle all phases of criminal proceedings from arraignment through sentencing, under supervision as needed, and assist on routine cases.

The role demands ethical advocacy and strong research, preparation, and courtroom skills.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school is required.
• Licensed to practice law in Georgia and in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
• Strong commitment to indigent defense and client advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide competent and zealous representation to indigent clients.
• Represent clients in criminal cases before Superior Court.
• Handle all phases of criminal proceedings: arraignment, pretrial hearings, case prep, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing.
• Conduct legal research and prepare case-related documentation.
• Investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal law

Indigent defense advocacy

Oral & written communication

Case preparation

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university

Job description

**Job Description:**The Cordele Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to fill an Assistant Public Defender I position. This circuit serves Ben Hill, Crisp, Dooly, and Wilcox Counties. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position, in conjunction with, assisting and/or handling indigent clients' representation with criminal cases in Superior Court. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to providing effective, ethical, and zealous representation to indigent clients and to advancing the mission of the public defender’s office. A strong commitment to indigent defense is required.Interested applicants should apply on https://careers.georgia.gov/ and email a cover letter and resume to Kyle Hollomon at [e-mail].**Position Summary**The Assistant Public Defender I provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Superior Court. The attorney will represent clients throughout all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. This position performs beginning-level professional legal work and may assist with cases of routine complexity.**Essential Duties and Responsibilities:**Provide competent and zealous representation to indigent clients.Represent clients in criminal cases before Superior Court.Handle all phases of criminal proceedings, including:· Arraignment· Pretrial hearings· Case investigation and preparation· Plea negotiations· Trial preparation and trial· SentencingConduct legal research and prepare case-related documentation.Investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.Apply relevant federal, state, and local criminal laws.Perform other related duties as assigned or required.**Minimum Qualifications:**Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university.Be licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.Be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia.Demonstrate a strong commitment to indigent defense and client advocacy.**AGENCY QUALIFICATIONS:**Knowledge of legal research, case preparation, and documentation.Knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.Ability to investigate, analyze, and prepare cases for hearings and trials.Ability to learn, comprehend, and effectively apply applicable state and departmental policies, practices, and procedures.Ability to make sound, well-informed decisions and understand the impact and implications of those decisions.Ability to take appropriate action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills.A high level of commitment to assigned responsibilities and duties.A high standard of ethical conduct and professionalism.**The selected candidate must meet the qualifications specific to the job responsibilities.****Minimum Qualifications:**Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity (must obtain Law License).--Note: Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause**Equal Employment Opportunity Employer**The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.