Public Defender 1 - Davenport

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Professional development

Flexible Spending Accounts

IPERS retirement package

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Employee discount programs

On-site fitness center

Job summary

State of Iowa - Executive Branch in Davenport, IA seeks a Public Defender 1 to advocate for indigent clients across all stages of criminal cases, with mentorship from seasoned public defenders and opportunities for courtroom advocacy and professional growth.

The role involves researching, interviewing clients and witnesses, strategy planning, and preparing legal documents, while contributing to a professional, service-oriented public defense team.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Must hold a current license to practice law in Iowa before starting.
• Experience in indigent defense is preferred, but training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients at all stages of criminal cases as a trainee.
• Receive mentoring from experienced public defenders.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Prepare defenses with research, facts, and witness interviews.
• Conduct pretrial discovery and motions.
• Negotiate pleas or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain client communication and discuss case strategy.
• Prepare legal documents such as motions and briefs.

Skills

Legal research

Interview witnesses

Courtroom advocacy

Plea negotiations

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Licensed to practice law in Iowa

Job description

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.

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!

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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.