Public Defender 2 - Wrongful Convictions Unit

About the role

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office seeks a Public Defender 2 to serve in the Wrongful Convictions Unit in Polk County, Iowa. The role involves advocating for indigent clients, representing them in court, and working closely with clients to prepare and present their cases.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at every stage of the criminal justice system.
• Receive training and mentoring from experienced public defenders.
• Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial sentencings, and other court hearings.
• Prepare a defense, conduct legal research, gather facts, and interview clients and witnesses.
• Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, withdraw pleas, and suppression motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions of assigned cases with prosecuting attorneys.
• Work closely with clients, providing information, planning case strategy, and preparing for trial.
• Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answer client questions.
• Identify potential legal issues, research applicable law, and draft motions and briefs.
• Prepare various legal documents, such as written arraignments, written guilty pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.
• May direct work of investigators consistent with internal office policies.
• Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa.
• 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.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum qualifications:

• 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.

Skills

Strong legal research and writing skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also required.

Benefits

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office offers a comprehensive benefits package, 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 needed.
• Employee Discount Programs from various vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more).

Pay

The salary range for this position is $50,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with standard business hours.

Contact Information

To apply, please visit our website and submit your resume and cover letter. For more information, contact [Contact Information].