Defense Counsel (Okmulgee)

About the role

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) seeks a full-time Defense Counsel in the Non-Capital Trial Division, Okmulgee office.

Responsibilities

• Perform case management activities, including maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders.
• Communicate with clients on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgment proceedings, ensuring clients can make informed decisions regarding legal representation.
• Communicate with clients' 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 procedures 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

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.

Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.

Willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Qualifications

Knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required at this level include 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

• Critical thinking.
• Conducting legal research.
• Written and oral communication.
• Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Attention to detail.
• Sound judgment and decision making.

Benefits

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits include:

• A generous state-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A 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 within agency salary schedule.

Schedule

Full time.