Public Defender II — Impactful Trial Advocacy & Growth

State-of-Iow; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Flexible Spending Accounts

IPERS Retirement

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discounts

Job summary

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office in Story County, Iowa is seeking a Public Defender 2 to join its Nevada office footprint. The role focuses on providing high‑quality legal representation for indigent clients and handling cases through all stages of the criminal justice system.

You will advocate in court, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and collaborate with experienced public defenders.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and a current Iowa law license.
• Two years of full-time experience in criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients in all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Represent clients in court during pre-trial, bench or jury trials, and sentencing.
• Prepare defenses through legal research and witness interviews.
• Conduct pretrial discovery and motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains or case dispositions with prosecutors.
• Maintain communication with clients and manage case files.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal research

Courtroom experience

Interviewing clients

Negotiation

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office in Story County, Iowa is seeking a Public Defender 2 to join its Nevada office footprint. The role focuses on providing high‑quality legal representation for indigent clients and handling cases through all stages of the criminal justice system.

You will advocate in court, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and collaborate with experienced public defenders.