Public Defender 2 - Council Bluffs

State of Iowa; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

IPERS retirement

Job summary

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office in Sioux City seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Public Defender 2, representing indigent clients in Carroll, Crawford, and Ida counties.

You will advocate at all stages, conduct legal research, prepare defenses, negotiate dispositions, and mentor junior staff. This is a non-merit position within the Public Defender division, with strong benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to practice in Iowa.
• Two years of full-time experience in criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• Receive training and mentorship from seasoned public defenders.
• Represent clients in court at hearings, bench or jury trials.
• Prepare defenses, conduct research, interview clients and witnesses.
• Conduct pretrial discovery and file necessary motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain client communication and develop case strategy.

Skills

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research

Client communication

Indigent defense

Trial preparation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

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 2. This position is based out of our Sioux City Adult Office and will provide representation to indigent clients in Carroll, Crawford, and Ida counties.

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 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.
• 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.

This is a non-merit position for the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

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)

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

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
2. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Defender 1.