Defense Counsel (Cleveland County)

About the role

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in our Non-Capital Trial Division, Cleveland County office.

Responsibilities

• Represents indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases.
• Maintains complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders.
• Communicates with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgment proceedings.
• Communicates with client's friends and family to obtain pertinent information.
• Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client's guilt or innocence and potential sentences.
• Presents statements of fact and law clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Directly or independently conducts legal research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems.
• Develops plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies.
• Secures assistance from experts and formulates a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation.
• Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine suitability of jurors.
• Presents arguments on motions and prepares for appellate review.
• Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned.
• Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff.
• Performs administrative duties when asked.

Requirements

• Active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission.
• A Juris Doctorate degree, or be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
• Abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations for non-capital trials.
• Knowledge of constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution.
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of trial and hearing procedures.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Skills in conducting legal research and writing.
• Skills in critical thinking.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Skills in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Skills in attention to detail.
• Skills in sound judgment and decision making.

Skills

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations for non-capital trials.
• Knowledge of constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution.
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of trial and hearing procedures.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Skills in conducting legal research and writing.
• Skills in critical thinking.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Skills in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Skills in attention to detail.
• Skills in sound judgment and decision making.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care.
• Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service).
• 11 paid holidays.
• Retail Savings Plan with a generous match.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service.