Defense Counsel (Woodward)

047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM; Woodward (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great benefits

Vacation leave

Retirement match

Life insurance

Health options

Job summary

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) seeks a full-time Defense Counsel in our Woodward office to represent indigent clients in state court at the trial level across felony and misdemeanor matters. You will provide competent legal advice, zealous advocacy, and manage case files from intake through post-judgment proceedings.

Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate, be admitted to the Oklahoma Bar (or eligibility), and commit to the highest professional standards.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree and active Oklahoma Bar membership or eligibility for admission.
• Knowledge of criminal trial procedures and evidentiary rules.
• Ability to conduct legal research and write clearly.

Responsibilities

• Maintain complete case files, pleadings, and orders.
• Communicate with clients regarding plea negotiations and proceedings.
• Investigate cases independently and prepare for trial with strategy development.
• Prepare pretrial motions and assist in plea negotiations.
• Conduct legal research for motions and briefs.
• Assist in jury selection and trial preparation.
• Preserve legal errors for appellate review.
• Provide consultation and support to fellow attorneys.

Skills

Legal research

Oral communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Oklahoma State Court Network

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Posting Title Defense Counsel (Woodward) Agency 047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM Supervisory Organization Okla Indigent Defense System Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above. Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time Full time Job Type Regular Compensation Salary commensurate with qualifications and within agency salary schedule.

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in our Non-Capital Trial Division, Woodward office.

Basic Purpose

Defense Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process.

Typical Functions

• Performs case management activities, this includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
• Communicates with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgement proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation
• Communicates with client’s friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information
• Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence and potential sentences
• Collects and maintains evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws
• Prepares for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client’s input; securing assistance from experts; and formulating a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation
• Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions
• Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable
• Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds
• Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned
• Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff
• Performs administrative duties when asked

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required at this level include knowledge of applicable state and federal laws; applicable regulations for non-capital trials; constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution; agency policies and procedures; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing.

Skills required include critical thinking; conducting legal research; written and oral communication; Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making.

Abilities required include presenting statements of fact and law; clearly and logically articulate position in written and oral form; analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; direct and/or perform independent and difficult research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems; conduct legal research on Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based legal resources; meet timelines while following the Oklahoma statutes; and represent the agency in a professional manner.

Education and Experience

Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.

Special Requirements

Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Benefit Highlights

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include: Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service) 11 paid holidays Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match Longevity Bonus for years of service.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Agency Contact Oklahoma State Government is the largest employer in the state of Oklahoma, employing over 35,000 diverse and talented employees in more than 100 state agencies, boards and commissions. Our workplaces can be found across the state from Boise City to Idabel, Hollis to Miami, and everywhere in between. To learn more about our state agencies, visit here.

Industries: Government Administration Worker Size: 10,001+ Employees Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Utilizing the Office of Veterans Placement provides eligible veterans additional services and interview opportunities for State of Oklahoma employment.