Deputy Public Defender: Juvenile Justice Advocate

Memorial Coliseum; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Defender’s Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana seeks a Deputy Public Defender to provide criminal defense to indigent defendants in Allen County. The role reports to the Chief Public Defender and involves courtroom appearances, client communication, and appeals where appropriate.

Requirements include a Indiana license, ABA-law school graduation, and at least two years in criminal litigation. Salary and benefits align with public defender guidelines.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law.
• Valid Indiana license to practice law.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work.
• Minimum of two years of experience in criminal litigation.
• Lead or co-counsel in two felony jury trials or one felony jury trial plus approved trial course.

Responsibilities

• Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery and plea withdrawals.
• Maintains regular contact with clients via correspondence, calls, and in-person meetings.
• Performs effective and high-quality legal representation for indigent defendants facing felony or misdemeanor charges.
• Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients negotiating pleabargains or found guilty.
• Files appeals when errors are found affecting fair trial rights.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Ability to handle multiple priorities

Education

ABA accredited law school

Job description

The Public Defender’s Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana seeks a Deputy Public Defender to provide criminal defense to indigent defendants in Allen County. The role reports to the Chief Public Defender and involves courtroom appearances, client communication, and appeals where appropriate.

Requirements include a Indiana license, ABA-law school graduation, and at least two years in criminal litigation. Salary and benefits align with public defender guidelines.