Defense Counsel (Clinton, OK)

About the role

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is currently 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; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process.
• Perform case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. This includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders.
• 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; securing assistance from experts; and formulating a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation.
• Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument 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.

Qualifications

• Applicants should possess 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.
• Level I: < 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
• Level II: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level III: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level IV: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level V: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level VI: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience.

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

Pay

Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.

Schedule

Full-time position.