Public Defender II - Impactful Indigent Defense

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

IPERS retirement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office seeks a skilled attorney to serve as Public Defender 2 for indigent clients in Carroll, Crawford, and Ida counties, with base in the Sioux City Adult Office. The role involves trial advocacy, research, and strategic defense across the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities include conducting investigations, managing case files, and coordinating with clients to prepare cases. Licensure in Iowa and two years of relevant experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• 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.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial Sentencings and other hearings.
• Prepare a defense through legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and determine merits and course of action.
• Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, motions, and suppression.
• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain communication with clients and discuss case status and strategy.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal trial advocacy

Client communication

Pleading & briefs drafting

Education

Juris Doctorate

Iowa Bar License

Job description

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office seeks a skilled attorney to serve as Public Defender 2 for indigent clients in Carroll, Crawford, and Ida counties, with base in the Sioux City Adult Office. The role involves trial advocacy, research, and strategic defense across the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities include conducting investigations, managing case files, and coordinating with clients to prepare cases. Licensure in Iowa and two years of relevant experience preferred.