Attorney 2

Athens Technical College; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Public Defender Council seeks an Assistant Public Defender 2 to provide zealous representation to indigent clients in Juvenile Court. The role requires a Georgia license, strong advocacy skills, and experience in juvenile matters.

The attorney will work on a range of defense activities including trial preparation, motions, and client counseling. Responsibilities include managing case files, interviewing witnesses, preparing exhibits, and negotiating resolutions with opposing counsel.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited school and Georgia bar license.
• Minimum of one year practicing attorney; three+ years in Juvenile/Youth Court preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal law; solid research and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Attend court appearances, manage case files, calendars, and file documentation.
• Represent clients in court at all stages, negotiate pleas, and prepare motions.
• Review discovery, interview clients, inspect records, and gather evidence and expert input.
• Develop defense strategies, mitigate evidence for sentencing, and advise clients on options.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Legal reasoning

Courtroom advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate

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 2

Agency:

Georgia Public Defender Council

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000007002

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Job Description:

The Augusta Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender 2. The Assistant Public Defender 2 will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients in Juvenile Court. Emphasis will be placed upon individual’s demonstrated commitment to indigent defense. Prior experience representing children in criminal or civil proceedings is preferred. Applicants must be licensed in the State of Georgia as well as be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia. Performs other related duties as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files, inputs, and records case-related data and notes, logs case activities, and closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
• Represents clients in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, appeals, or any related courtroom proceedings, negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection, makes opening and closing statements, presents evidence, and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments.
• Reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explore alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follows up on defense leads; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines the need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; develops defense theory and case strategies.
• Secures and argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.
• Receives and reviews various documentation, including police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, and case law updates; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including a variety of motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compiles data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports, and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests, motions, and appeals; advocates for the client; and secures additional services for the client.
• Argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.
• Research relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts jury charges; and makes trial notes.
• Develops trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explains and advises clients regarding their rights, the investigative and judicial process, and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provides updates regarding case status.
• Attends conferences, seminars, meetings, and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes and participates in professional organizations.
• Communicates with prosecuting attorneys, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, client friends and family, probation officers, supervisor, government officials, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review the status of work, presenter exchange information, provide legal counsel and interpretation, or resolve problems.
• Serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.

AGENCY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia.
• One or more year(s) of experience as a practicing attorney. Three (3) or more years of experience practicing in Juvenile /Youth Court as well as SB440 in Superior Court is preferred.
• Demonstrates the knowledge to conduct case research and documentation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.
• Demonstrates the knowledge to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to make sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
• Displays a high level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications and any other 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 and one (1) year of relevant legal experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 1 (LEP020).

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.