Youth Justice Attorney II

City of Indianapolis & Marion County; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis & Marion County Public Defender Agency seeks an attorney to provide effective representation for indigent juveniles charged with the juvenile equivalent of a Level 6 felony. Independent judgment is frequently needed when policies are absent, and cases involve complex decisions with significant impact on agency policy.

The attorney will review cases, interview clients and witnesses, consult experts, and collaborate with social workers to pursue appropriate dispositions

Qualifications

• JD required with license to practice law.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills essential.
• Interpersonal and facilitation skills must be top-level.
• Computer literacy required to manage case files and communications.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent juveniles in court proceedings.
• Conduct legal and factual review of cases and prepare motions.
• Interview clients and witnesses; consult with medical, forensic, DNA, or other experts.
• Negotiate case dispositions, including plea agreements or litigation to court or jury.
• Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to applicable laws and standards.
• Coordinate with social workers and other professionals to achieve client objectives.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Facilitation skills

Computer literacy

Education

Juris Doctorate

License to practice law

Job description

Position is responsible for providing effective representation of counsel to indigent persons charged with the equivalent of Level 6 cases in juvenile. Independent Judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies and procedures. Independent actions and judgment are exercised in making decisions that are complex in nature and have considerable impact on Public Defender Agency policy. Decisions and actions may be controlled by state and federal laws. The actions and decision-making process allow for considerable latitude in making informed judgments, quick decisions, or decisions without the benefit of consultation. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent problem-solving skills. Position reports to Division Chief.

Agency Summary

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

• Primarily assigned to represent clients charged with the juvenile equivalent of a level 6 felony offense, if the offense was committed by an adult
• Appears in court to provide effective representation of counsel to indigent persons in juvenile courts.
• 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; keeps client and families updated on case progress.
• Delegates assignments to paralegal II and investigators, as appropriate
• Collaborates with Social Workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives.
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required. One year of experience in criminal or juvenile litigation. If prior experience is only in a criminal matter, must also have completed 6 hours of training in a juvenile delinquency practice course approved by the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys. Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are required along with top level interpersonal and facilitation skills. Computer knowledge a must. Must have a valid driver’s license. Additionally, all Division attorneys must comply with all relevant Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys standards, guidelines, and requirements.

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Physical Conditions

1. Sitting at a desk the majority of the day
2. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds
3. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
4. Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
5. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.