Public Defender Attorney: Start Your Impactful Career

Athens Technical College; Americus (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Public Defender Council is seeking an Attorney 1 in Sumter County to provide zealous legal representation to indigent clients in criminal cases at various court stages, from trial preparation to defense strategy.

Candidates must hold a Juris Doctorate and be a current member of the Georgia State Bar or be eligible to sit for the next bar exams within two sittings. This on-site role offers a challenging, mission-driven environment in public defense.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and Georgia Bar license.
• 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

• Attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files, inputs, and records case-related data and notes, logs case activities, and closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.
• Represents clients in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, appeals or any related courtroom proceedings: negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection, makes opening and closing statements, presents evidence, and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments.
• Reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explore alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follows up on defense leads; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines the need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; develops defense theory and case strategies.
• Receives and reviews various documentation, including, police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, and case law updates; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including a variety of motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; compiles data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports, and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests, motions, and appeals; advocates for the client; and secures additional services for the client.
• Argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.
• Researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts jury charges; and makes trial notes.
• Develops trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explains and advises clients regarding their rights, the investigative and judicial process, and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provides updates regarding case status.
• Attends conferences, seminars, meetings, and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes and participates in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.

Skills

Legal research

Court representation

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

The Georgia Public Defender Council is seeking an Attorney 1 in Sumter County to provide zealous legal representation to indigent clients in criminal cases at various court stages, from trial preparation to defense strategy.

Candidates must hold a Juris Doctorate and be a current member of the Georgia State Bar or be eligible to sit for the next bar exams within two sittings. This on-site role offers a challenging, mission-driven environment in public defense.