Public Defender 2 - Waterloo Juvenile - PTPF

Who We Are

The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

What You’ll Do

• Assist families to address issues such as the following: Child Custody, Guardianship and Conservatorships, Chapter 236 Protective Orders, Landlord/tenant issues, Basic Criminal Matters including clearing up warrants, Driver’s Licensing, Other issues as approved by the State Public Defender
• Work closely with clients providing and discussing information, plan case strategy and trial preparation.
• Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answering client questions.
• Identify potential legal issues to advance the client's case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs.
• Prepare various legal documents, motions, briefs, and letters.
• Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies.
• Receive training and mentoring from dedicated, experienced public defenders in an atmosphere which encourages growth and development of an attorney’s skills and career.

What We Offer

When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only).

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Defender 1.