Attorney I - Child Advocate Center

DeKalb County; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County seeks an attorney to support the Child Advocacy Center in handling criminal justice matters involving children and foster care. The role requires evaluating cases, preparing for hearings, and advocating for clients through court proceedings.

The attorney will coordinate with clients, families, witnesses, and partners, handle motions and evidence, and contribute to case strategies while staying current with legal developments.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree required.
• One year of experience in criminal justice, legal, or related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; licensure from the Georgia State Bar Association.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial case evaluations, review case files, and determine appropriate charges or diversion.
• Investigate, analyze, and prepare cases for hearings and trials, interview clients, request records, and prepare exhibits.
• Represent clients in arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing; negotiate plea resolutions.
• Communicate with clients, victims, families, witnesses, and community partners; provide status updates and referrals.
• Manage caseloads, maintain case files, calendars, and court communications; coordinate with court staff and experts.
• Maintain current knowledge in relevant legal fields and participate in professional activities and trainings.

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Job description

Salary Range: $68,778 - $110,732

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts initial case evaluations as assigned; reviews case file and analyzes the facts and evidence of the case; may assess client eligibility and needs; reviews criminal histories; determines appropriateness of diversion, dismissal, or charges; reviews accuracy of jurisdiction, venue, and scope of arrest powers; ensures sufficient probable cause; prepares or reviews charges and discovery; and prepares for all court hearings or arraignments.

Investigates, analyzes, and prepares assigned cases for hearings and trials; may interview clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; prepares graphics and exhibits; makes investigative requests and follows up on leads; obtains and reviews scientific results and analysis; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; may prepare clients for trial; determines need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; assists in the development of case strategies; and presents cases to superiors.

Represents clients or State of Georgia at arraignments, preliminary and pre-trial hearings and conferences, motion hearings, jury and bench trials, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, alternative and diversion programs, specialty courts, or any related courtroom proceedings; prepares and argues motions and evidence; negotiates and presents plea resolutions; negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; advises clients or victims regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers; and assists with jury selection, opening and closing statements, evidence presentation, witness questioning, and bond/sentencing recommendations as assigned.

Communicates with and serves as a liaison to clients, victims, families, witnesses, and/or community partners; develops attorney-client relationship; provides information and updates regarding case status; makes appropriate referrals; requests victim advocates and assists them as needed; and explains and advises regarding the investigative and judicial process.

Conducts research and documentation for assigned cases; researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts complaints, accusations, indictments, jury charges, and supporting documents; and makes trial notes.

Manages assigned caseload; attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files; inputs and records case-related data and notes; logs case activities; closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts and others.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge in appropriate legal fields; attends conferences, seminars, meetings and training events relevant to area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes; and participates in professional organizations.

Coordinates with community partners and the public to support and promote criminal justice efforts and crime prevention initiatives; educates and informs the community about the criminal justice system; may supervise and mentor student interns and conducts and attends meetings with schools, government organizations, healthcare providers, interest groups, or other community partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate Degree required; one year of experience in criminal justice, legal, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; and must possess and maintain licensure from the Georgia State Bar Association.

Supplemental Information:

The position is in the Child Advocacy Center. The Child Advocacy Department provides legal representation and ongoing advocacy for children and young adults in foster care. Our goal is to protect our client’s legal rights and advocate for their best interests to ensure that they have permanent, safe, and stable homes.

Preferred experience:

• Working with juvenile court dependency matters.
• Knowledge of the child welfare system.