Public Defender II – Impactful Juvenile Justice Advocate

State of Iowa; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

IPERS Retirement

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discounts

Job summary

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office in Waterloo seeks a skilled attorney for the Public Defender 2 position, based in the Juvenile Office, to represent indigent clients in Winneshiek County.

You will advocate at all stages of criminal proceedings, conduct legal research, prepare defenses, negotiate pleas, and mentor colleagues in a mission-driven public service environment with robust benefits.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and current license to practice law in Iowa.
• Experience equal to two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients in all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Receive training and mentoring from experienced public defenders.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Prepare defenses, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses.
• Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions and motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions.
• Work closely with clients on case strategy and trial preparation.
• Maintain communication with clients about case status and questions.
• Identify legal issues, research applicable law, and draft motions and briefs.
• Prepare legal documents including arraignments, pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.

Skills

Legal advocacy

Legal research

Client communication

Criminal procedure

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Job description

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office in Waterloo seeks a skilled attorney for the Public Defender 2 position, based in the Juvenile Office, to represent indigent clients in Winneshiek County.

You will advocate at all stages of criminal proceedings, conduct legal research, prepare defenses, negotiate pleas, and mentor colleagues in a mission-driven public service environment with robust benefits.