Defense Counsel (Clinton)

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation in non-capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, in all phases of assigned cases.
• Represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases.
• Communicate with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgment proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation.
• Communicate with client's friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information.
• Conduct independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client's guilt or innocence and potential sentences.
• Collect and maintain evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws.
• Prepare for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client’s input; secure assistance from experts; and formulate a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation.
• Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of arguments on motions.
• Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable.
• Preserve legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds.
• Serve as Co-Counsel as assigned.
• Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff.
• Perform administrative duties when asked.

Requirements

• Must have a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission.
• Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
• Experience: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience for Level I; 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience for Level II; 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience for Level III; 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience for Level IV; 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience for Level V; 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 6+ years criminal trial experience for Level VI.

Qualifications

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

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.