Assistant Public Defender III

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Assistant Public Defender III
The candidate prepares cases for trial, zealously advocating and defending their client, seeking and negotiating plea depositions, and entering pleas in the felony cases in Superior Court. Provides competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. Performs as a lead attorney, assigned to serious, high-profile, and significant felony and appellate cases. Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers. Represents clients in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, appeals, or any related courtroom proceedings: negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection, makes opening and closing statements, presents evidence, and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments. Attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files, inputs, and records case-related data and notes, logs case activities, and closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others. Represents clients in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary and pretrial hearings, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, appeals, or any related courtroom proceedings: negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection, makes opening and closing statements, presents evidence, and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments. Reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explore alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follows up on defense leads; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines the need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; and develops defense theory and case strategies. Receives and reviews various documentation, including police reports, witness statements, laboratory reports, criminal histories, defense motions, and case law updates; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including a variety of motions, orders, letters, notices, petitions, legal briefs, trial summaries, and departmental reports; and compiles data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports, and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests, motions, and appeals; advocates for the client; and secures additional client services. Argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers. Researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts jury charges; and makes trial notes. Develops trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explains and advises clients regarding their rights, the investigative and judicial process, and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provides updates regarding case status. Attends conferences, seminars, meetings, and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes and participates in professional organizations. Communicates with prosecuting attorneys, judges, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, translators, client friends and family, probation officers, supervisor, government officials, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review the status of work, present or exchange information, provide legal counsel and interpretation, or resolve problems. Serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director. Should have a J.D. degree from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination OR reciprocity and 2 years of relevant legal experience. A strong commitment to indigent defense is also required.

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