Public Defender I - Davenport: Serve with Impact

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch seeks a Public Defender 1 in Davenport, Scott County, IA. You will advocate for indigent clients, receive mentorship, and handle court appearances from pre-trial to trial, with responsibilities including case strategy development and legal research.

You will prepare defenses, conduct interviews, and negotiate dispositions while maintaining client communication and documenting case progress in compliance with office policies.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Iowa.
• Attain trainee-level advocacy experience with indigent clients.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and interview clients and witnesses.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at trainee level.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Prepare defenses, conduct research, interview clients and witnesses.
• Conduct pretrial discovery and prepare motions and briefs.
• Negotiate plea bargains or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain communication with clients about case status.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal research

Interview witnesses

Trial preparation

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed to practice law in Iowa

Job description

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch seeks a Public Defender 1 in Davenport, Scott County, IA. You will advocate for indigent clients, receive mentorship, and handle court appearances from pre-trial to trial, with responsibilities including case strategy development and legal research.

You will prepare defenses, conduct interviews, and negotiate dispositions while maintaining client communication and documenting case progress in compliance with office policies.