Public Defender 1 - Davenport

State of Iowa; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

State of Iowa’s Public Defender’s Office in Davenport seeks a motivated attorney to serve as Public Defender 1. You will advocate for indigent clients, represent them in court, and receive mentorship from seasoned public defenders in a supportive, growth‑oriented environment.

The role emphasizes case preparation, legal research, and collaboration with clients to determine strategies, while offering a competitive government compensation package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited law school.
• Must possess a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at every stage of the criminal justice system as a trainee.
• Receive training and mentoring from experienced public defenders to grow legal skills and career.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial sentencing, and other court hearings.
• Prepare defenses through legal research, fact gathering, and client/witness interviews.
• Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, plea withdrawals, and suppression motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain communication with clients about case status and strategy.
• Prepare legal documents such as arraignments, pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.

Job description

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service? The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic attorney to serve as a Public Defender 1 in our Davenport office located in Scott County, Iowa.

Who We Are

The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

What You’ll Do

As a Public Defender attorney in this position, you will:

• Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at every state of the criminal justice system at a trainee level.
• Receive training and mentoring from dedicated, experienced public defenders in an atmosphere which encourages growth and development of an attorney’s skills and career.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial sentencings and other court hearings.
• Prepare a defense, conducting legal research, gathering facts, and interviewing the client and witnesses to determine the merits of case and appropriate course of action.
• Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, withdraw pleas, and suppression motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other disposition of assigned cases with prosecuting attorneys.
• Work closely with clients, providing and discussing information, plan case strategy and trial preparation.
• Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answering client questions.
• Identify potential legal issues to advance client’s case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs
• Prepare various legal documents, including written arraignments, written guilty pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.
• May direct work of investigators consistent with internal office policies.
• Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies.

What We Offer

When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us!

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and possess a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa prior to commencing employment in positions in this job classification.