Attorney 1

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgias more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Agency:

Georgia Public Defender Council

Job Requisition ID:

Shift:

Compensation Details:

Job Description:

The Piedmont Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office is seeking to fill an Assistant Public Defender 1 position for Barrow County. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position in conjunction with assisting and/or handling indigent clients representation with criminal cases in Superior Court. The Assistant Public Defender 1 provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients. The attorney will represent clients throughout all phases of criminal proceedings including arraignment pretrial hearings trial preparation plea negotiations trial and sentencing. This position performs beginning-level professional legal work and may assist with cases of routine complexity. To be considered for this position candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university. Applicants must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Interested applicants should apply on and email a cover letter and resume to Donna Seagraves at .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files inputs and records case-related data and notes logs case activities and closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration clients witnesses experts and others.

Represents clients in court at various stages of cases including arraignments preliminary and pretrial hearings probation and sentencing post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings appeals or any related courtroom proceedings: negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection makes opening and closing statements presents evidence and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments.

Reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explore alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follows up on defense leads; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines the need for procures and interviews expert witnesses; assesses the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; develops defense theory and case strategies.

Receives and reviews various documentation including police reports witness statements laboratory reports criminal histories defense motions and case law updates; reviews completes processes forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms reports correspondence and other documentation including a variety of motions orders letters notices petitions legal briefs trial summaries and departmental reports; compiles data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests motions and appeals; advocates for the client; and secures additional services for the client.

Argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.

Researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms procedures or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts jury charges; and makes trial notes.

Develops trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explains and advises clients regarding their rights the investigative and judicial process and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provides updates regarding case status.

Attends conferences seminars meetings and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes and participates in professional organizations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.

AGENCY QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Demonstrates the knowledge to conduct case research and documentation.

Demonstrates knowledge of federal state and local criminal laws.

Demonstrates the knowledge to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.

Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the performance of the essential functions and learn comprehend and apply all state or departmental policies practices and procedures necessary to function in the position effectively.

Ability to make sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action even in uncertain situations to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Ability to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills including superior written and spoken communication.

Displays a high level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

The selected candidate must meet the qualifications specific to the job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race color national origin sex religion age disability or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.