Major Crimes Deputy Public Defender

Pennington-County,-Sd; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennington County in Rapid City seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to zealously represent indigent clients in Circuit Court major crimes, appeals, and certain civil matters. The role requires handling high-stakes cases and supervising junior lawyers.

Qualifications include a JD, at least seven years in criminal law, substantial felony jury trial experience, and SD Bar admission or eligibility to waive in. Strong research and courtroom skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience in criminal law.
• Substantial felony jury trial experience.
• Experience handling high level criminal cases including homicide and cases with minimal supervision.
• Admitted to the South Dakota Bar or eligible to waive into the SD State Bar.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in Circuit Court major crimes, appeals, and certain civil matters.
• Manage a caseload consisting of major crime cases.
• Represent clients at all phases of the criminal justice system including initial appearances, arraignments, motions, hearings and trials.
• Review law enforcement reports and conduct legal research and writing.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for courtroom testimony.
• Mentor non-senior attorneys and maintain compliance with County policies.

Skills

Criminal defense

Trial advocacy

Legal research

Litigation strategy

Mentoring

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Position Objective:

Zealous representation of defense of indigent clients in Circuit Court major crimes criminal cases, appeals, and certain civil matters.

Essential Functions:

• Manage a caseload consisting major crime cases.
• Represent clients at all phases of the criminal justice system including initial appearances, arraignments motions hearing and trials.
• Represent Clients in major crimes/felony matters (crimes ranging in punishment from two years in the State Penitentiary to life imprisonment/death)
• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make criminal defense decisions.
• Conduct legal research and writing, and motion preparation.
• Prepare client and possible witnesses for courtroom testimony.
• Answer telephone calls from citizens and interested parties about criminal defense.
• Train and mentor non-senior attorneys.
• Perform any related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Professional degree (Juris Doctor) Graduation from a college of law and attainment of JD or LLB.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in criminal law
• Have substantial felony jury trial experience
• Have experience handling high level criminal cases and ability to be appointed any level of case; including homicide and require little or no supervision
• Admitted to the South Dakota Bar Association or eligible to waive into the South Dakota State Bar

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 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 an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Overtime hours may be required to meet project deadlines