Chief Deputy Public Defender

Pennington-County,-Sd; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennington County Public Defender’s Office seeks a Chief Deputy Public Defender to supervise trial attorneys, manage staff, and handle a substantial caseload. The role supports the Director and partners with the Clerk of Courts, judiciary, sheriff department, and Human Services to advance indigent defense.

The position emphasizes leadership, trial experience, and collaboration with criminal justice stakeholders to reform and fund programs. Overtime and travel may be required as duties dictate.

Qualifications

• JD required and SD Bar admission or eligibility.
• 7+ years in active practice of law.
• Experience supervising staff and/or attorneys.
• Commitment to providing effective legal services to indigent defendants.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise attorneys in felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile/abuse & neglect courts.
• Assign cases to attorneys.
• Represent clients at all phases of the criminal justice process.
• Assist in personnel matters.
• Collaborate with other criminal justice stakeholders to reform the system and pursue grants.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with County policies and procedures.

Skills

Staff management

Jury trials

Legal leadership

Indigent defense

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) and SD Bar admission

Job description

Position Objective:

The Chief Deputy Public Defender supervises public defenders in their day-to-day practice, handles personnel matters, has their own substantial caseload and staff and globally assists the Director in representing the interests of the office. This position also requires building and maintaining professional relationships with other criminal justice stakeholders including the Clerk of Courts, judiciary, court services, sheriff department, Human Services and others.

This position’s duties are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County Public Defender’s Office.

Essential Functions:

• Directly supervise attorneys in either the felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile/abuse & neglect Pennington County criminal courts.
• Assign cases to attorneys.
• Represent clients at all phases of the criminal justice system including initial appearances, arraignments, motions hearings and trials.
• Assist in personnel matters.
• Work directly with other criminal justice stakeholders in efforts to reform the system, apply for grants, solve problems and other high-level tasks.
• Other management duties as assigned
• Performs related duties as assigned by Supervisor.
• Maintains compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Professional degree (Juris Doctor) from a college of law.
• Have substantial experience in supervising and managing staff and/or other attorneys.
• Have substantial jury trial experience.
• Possess a demonstrated commitment to providing effective, professional legal services to indigent defendants.
• 7 + years in the active practice of law
• Admitted or eligible to be admitted to the South Dakota Bar Association

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move up to 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in a professional office environment, or in the courtroom.
• Meetings with clients often take place at the County jail.
• Overtime hours may be required.
• Some travel may be required for training and meetings.
• Outdoor walk to the Courthouse for hearings or meetings.