Public Defender I — Launch Your Public Service Legal Career

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Professional development

Flexible Spending Accounts

IPERS retirement package

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Employee discount programs

On-site fitness center

Job summary

State of Iowa - Executive Branch in Davenport, IA seeks a Public Defender 1 to advocate for indigent clients across all stages of criminal cases, with mentorship from seasoned public defenders and opportunities for courtroom advocacy and professional growth.

The role involves researching, interviewing clients and witnesses, strategy planning, and preparing legal documents, while contributing to a professional, service-oriented public defense team.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Must hold a current license to practice law in Iowa before starting.
• Experience in indigent defense is preferred, but training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients at all stages of criminal cases as a trainee.
• Receive mentoring from experienced public defenders.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Prepare defenses with research, facts, and witness interviews.
• Conduct pretrial discovery and motions.
• Negotiate pleas or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain client communication and discuss case strategy.
• Prepare legal documents such as motions and briefs.

Skills

Legal research

Interview witnesses

Courtroom advocacy

Plea negotiations

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Licensed to practice law in Iowa

Job description

State of Iowa - Executive Branch in Davenport, IA seeks a Public Defender 1 to advocate for indigent clients across all stages of criminal cases, with mentorship from seasoned public defenders and opportunities for courtroom advocacy and professional growth.

The role involves researching, interviewing clients and witnesses, strategy planning, and preparing legal documents, while contributing to a professional, service-oriented public defense team.