Attorney II - LVL 6

About the role

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County residents who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases, civil commitment, juvenile courts, termination of parental rights, and appeals. This position is responsible for providing effective representation of counsel to indigent persons charged with Level 6 or equivalent cases in Lower Felony, Juvenile, Problem Solving, and Appellate courts. TPR/CHINS Attorneys represent parents in child in need of service cases. The role involves exercising independent judgment, initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills, with decisions often impacting agency policy and controlled by state and federal laws.

Responsibilities

• Appears in court to provide effective representation of counsel to indigent persons.
• Conducts legal and factual review of cases; evaluates evidence for or against the client; engages in pretrial motion practice; and takes and defends depositions.
• Consults with clients, interviews witnesses, and consults with medical, forensic, DNA, or other experts as needed.
• Negotiates case disposition with opposing counsel, including plea agreements, and litigates cases in court or jury trials.
• Communicates with clients through telephone, in-person interviews, and jail consultations.
• Reviews and updates court files; keeps clients and families informed on case progress.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals and investigators as appropriate.
• Collaborates with social workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required.
• Strong verbal, written, communication, and presentation skills.
• Top-level interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Computer proficiency.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Compliance with all relevant Indiana Public Defender Commission standards, guidelines, and requirements.
• TPR/CHIN Division Attorneys representing CHINS cases must have completed one year of service.

Working Conditions

• Essential functions performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Sitting at a desk for the majority of the day.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds.
• Extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds, see visual cues or signals, and communicate orally.