Senior Public Defender - Problem-Solving Court Counsel

City of Indianapolis and Marion County; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as a public defender for indigent clients in criminal, probate, civil commitment, Title IV-D, and contested adoptions. The role requires a Juris Doctorate and active licensure, plus demonstrated litigation experience in problem-solving courts and criminal defense.

Responsibilities include courtroom appearances, legal review, interviews with clients and witnesses, depositions, negotiations, and collaboration

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and license to practice law.
• 2 years of litigation experience in the Problem Solving Division or 2 years of criminal litigation experience.
• Experience litigating 2 felony juries to completion as lead or co-counsel.
• Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Appears in court to provide effective representation of indigent persons in problem solving courts or indigent persons as a party to civil actions including probate, civil commitment, child support Title IV-D and contested adoptions.
• Conducts legal and factual review of the case; evaluates the legal and factual evidence for, or against, the client; engages in pretrial motion practice; and takes and defends depositions.
• Consults with client, interviews witnesses and consults with medical, forensic, DNA or other experts as needed to effectively represent client.
• Consults with opposing counsel to negotiate case disposition to include plea agreements and other disposition, including litigating case to the court or trying to jury.
• Communicates with clients through regular methods to include telephone conversations, in person interviews, and jail consultations.
• Reviews and updates court files and keeps client and families updated on case progress.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals as appropriate
• Collaborates with social workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives.
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times.

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as a public defender for indigent clients in criminal, probate, civil commitment, Title IV-D, and contested adoptions. The role requires a Juris Doctorate and active licensure, plus demonstrated litigation experience in problem-solving courts and criminal defense.

Responsibilities include courtroom appearances, legal review, interviews with clients and witnesses, depositions, negotiations, and collaboration