Attorney 1

Public Defender Council, Georgia; Cordele (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cordele Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office in Georgia is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender I to provide zealous representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Superior Court. You will handle all phases of proceedings from arraignment through sentencing, perform legal research, prepare case-related documentation, and advocate for ethical, client-centered outcomes.

Minimum qualifications include a Juris Doctorate and admission or eligibility to practice

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
• License to practice law in Georgia or eligibility for admission within one year.
• Strong commitment to indigent defense and client advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide zealous representation to indigent clients in Superior Court.
• Handle all phases of criminal proceedings: arraignment, pretrial, trial, sentencing.
• Perform legal research and prepare case-related documentation.
• Investigate cases and apply relevant laws.

Skills

Legal research

Client advocacy

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

GA Bar license or eligibility

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia! We are the force that drives Georgia! Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens! Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career! Job Title: Attorney 1 Agency: Georgia Public Defender Council Shift: Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: STATE AND COUNTY FUNDED 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.

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
• Sentencing
• Conduct 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.

Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's 10 million citizens. With nearly 62,000 employees, we are one of the single largest employer in the state. Public service opportunities stretch across the state as employees live and work in all 159 counties. From traditional fields such as accounting, nursing, and engineering to unique fields like forestry and natural resources management, Georgia state government provides a world of opportunity.