Public Defender I: Trainee Advocate with Mentorship

State of Iowa; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

State of Iowa’s Public Defender’s Office in Davenport seeks a motivated attorney to serve as Public Defender 1. You will advocate for indigent clients, represent them in court, and receive mentorship from seasoned public defenders in a supportive, growth‑oriented environment.

The role emphasizes case preparation, legal research, and collaboration with clients to determine strategies, while offering a competitive government compensation package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited law school.
• Must possess a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at every stage of the criminal justice system as a trainee.
• Receive training and mentoring from experienced public defenders to grow legal skills and career.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial sentencing, and other court hearings.
• Prepare defenses through legal research, fact gathering, and client/witness interviews.
• Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, plea withdrawals, and suppression motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain communication with clients about case status and strategy.
• Prepare legal documents such as arraignments, pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.

Job description

State of Iowa’s Public Defender’s Office in Davenport seeks a motivated attorney to serve as Public Defender 1. You will advocate for indigent clients, represent them in court, and receive mentorship from seasoned public defenders in a supportive, growth‑oriented environment.

The role emphasizes case preparation, legal research, and collaboration with clients to determine strategies, while offering a competitive government compensation package and opportunities for professional development.