Deputy Public Defender III

THE POSITION

Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Has a proven track record demonstrating their knowledge of:
  • The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice;
  • The methods of legal research and writing;
  • The rules of evidence.
• Can gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions;
• Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action;
• Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent;
• Orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
• Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner;
• Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court;
• Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings;
• Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature;
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Work independently under general supervision;
• think creatively;
• Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results;
• Effectively use office computers and/or data base systems;
• Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys.

Examples of Duties

• Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options;
• Structures and directs investigations;
• Reviews evidence;
• Interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.

• Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.

• Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases;
• Appears with and for clients in court hearings, making appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law;
• Participates in jury selection;
• Makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts.

• Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.