Problem Solving Attorney III - Promotional Only

About the role

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY. Position is responsible for providing effective representation of counsel to indigent persons charged with the equivalent of level 1-5 in problem solving criminal courts as well as probate, civil commitment, civil contempt, child support Title IV-D and contested adoptions in civil courts. Independent judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies and procedures. Independent actions and judgment are exercised in making decisions that are complex in nature and have considerable impact on Public Defender Agency policy. Decisions and actions may be controlled by state and federal laws. The actions and decision‑making process allow for considerable latitude in making informed judgments, quick decisions, or decisions without the benefit of consultation. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent problem‑solving skills. Position reports to Division Chief. The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Services are provided as a public service. The agency works with felony, misdemeanor, Title IV‑D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts, and also handles termination of parental rights and appeals. It offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences, cultivated through a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment to meet the needs of Indianapolis and Marion County residents.

Responsibilities

• Appears in court to provide effective representation of counsel to indigent persons in problem solving courts or indigent persons as a party to civil actions including probate, civil commitment, child support Title IV‑D and contested adoptions.
• Conducts legal and factual review of the case; evaluates the legal and factual evidence for, or against, the client; engages in pretrial motion practice; and takes and defends depositions.
• Consults with client, interviews witnesses and consults with medical, forensic, DNA or other experts as needed to effectively represent client.
• Consults with opposing counsel to negotiate case disposition to include plea agreements and other disposition, including litigating case to the court or trying to jury.
• Communicates with clients through regular methods to include telephone conversations, in‑person interviews, and jail consultations.
• Reviews and updates court files and keeps client and families updated on case progress.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals as appropriate.
• Collaborates with social workers on multi‑disciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law.
• Either 2 years of litigation experience in the Problem Solving Division or