Public Defender Associate: Zealous Indigent Defense

State of Georgia; Griffin (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Public Defender Council seeks an Assistant Public Defender I to represent indigent clients in criminal cases within the Griffin area. The role involves handling cases from arraignment through sentencing, with opportunities to develop defense strategies, interview witnesses, and present evidence in court.

The candidate must hold a Juris Doctorate and be in good standing to practice law in Georgia, or be eligible to sit for the Georgia Bar exam and attain licensure within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in Georgia.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.
• Ability to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Represents clients in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing.
• Attends scheduled court appearances and manages case files and records.
• Conducts legal research, drafts motions, prepares briefs, and interviews witnesses.
• Develops defense strategy and negotiates resolutions with prosecutors.
• Provides updates to clients and maintains attorney-client relationships.

Skills

Excellent communication

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university

Georgia Bar license or eligibility to sit for Georgia Bar

Job description

Georgia Public Defender Council seeks an Assistant Public Defender I to represent indigent clients in criminal cases within the Griffin area. The role involves handling cases from arraignment through sentencing, with opportunities to develop defense strategies, interview witnesses, and present evidence in court.

The candidate must hold a Juris Doctorate and be in good standing to practice law in Georgia, or be eligible to sit for the Georgia Bar exam and attain licensure within one year of hire.