Public Defender Attorney II — Indigent Defense & Appeals

City of Indianapolis & Marion County; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis & Marion County Public Defender Agency seeks an attorney to provide effective representation of indigent clients in Level 6 or equivalent cases in lower felonies, juveniles, and related matters. The attorney exercises independent judgment within policies and state laws while reporting to the Division Chief.

TPR/CHIN Division Attorneys must meet Indiana Public Defender Commission standards and complete one year of service.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Must comply with Indiana Public Defender Commission standards.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Appears in court to provide effective representation of indigent clients.
• Conducts legal and factual review; evaluates evidence and pretrial motions.
• Interviews clients and consults with witnesses and experts as needed.
• Negotiates case dispositions with opposing counsel, including plea agreements.
• Communicates with clients regularly by phone, in person, and jail visits.
• Reviews and updates court files; keeps clients and families informed.
• Delegates tasks to paralegals and investigators as appropriate.
• Collaborates with Social Workers on multi-disciplinary strategies.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Independent judgment

Education

Juris Doctorate

License to practice law

Tools

Legal research databases

Case management software

Job description

The City of Indianapolis & Marion County Public Defender Agency seeks an attorney to provide effective representation of indigent clients in Level 6 or equivalent cases in lower felonies, juveniles, and related matters. The attorney exercises independent judgment within policies and state laws while reporting to the Division Chief.

TPR/CHIN Division Attorneys must meet Indiana Public Defender Commission standards and complete one year of service.