Public Defender 2 - Sioux City Juvenile - PTPF

State-of-Iowa; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS retirement package

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The State Public Defender’s Office in Iowa seeks a Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families in Woodbury County to provide compassionate legal advocacy for indigent clients.

You will handle custody disputes, guardianships, protective orders, landlord/tenant issues, and basic criminal matters while learning from seasoned public defenders in a supportive, growth-oriented environment. A strong commitment to public service and client collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school, and a current license to practice law in Iowa with two years of full-time experience in criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
• State executive branch experience with eighteen months as Public Defender 1 is also acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist families in child custody, guardianship and conservatorships, and Chapter 236 protective orders.
• Address landlord/tenant issues and basic criminal matters including warrants clearance.
• Plan case strategy and trial preparation with clients; maintain communication about case status and questions.

Skills

Client communication

Legal research

Trial preparation

Education

Law degree / Juris Doctor

State bar license

Job description

This is not the usual job at the State Public Defender’s Office. 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 for the Project to Preserve Families in Woodbury County, Iowa. The Project to Preserve Families utilizes a team of professionals to provide Iowans access to legal and family centered services to prevent Court involvement and subsequent removals by providing indigent clients access to legal services.

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 2 for the Project to Preserve Families, you will assist families to address issues such as the following:

• Child Custody
• Guardianship and Conservatorships
• Chapter 236 Protective Orders
• Landlord/tenant issues
• Basic Criminal Matters including clearing up warrants
• Driver’s Licensing
• Other issues as approved by the State Public Defender
• 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 the client's case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs.
• Prepare various legal documents, motions, briefs, and letters.
• Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies.
• Receive training and mentoring from dedication, experienced public defenders in an atmosphere which encourages growth and development of an attorney’s skills and career.

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).

For additional information on benefits click here.

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 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.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.