Attorney

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Attorney

The candidate provides court appointed criminal defense services in both Multnomah and Washington counties, Oregon. Attorneys who are assigned to a trial unit will review charging instruments and police reports and other discovery provided by the State. The attorneys will meet with clients and learn the client’s goals for the representation and any special needs of the client. Attorneys then determine what further investigation to undertake and direct that investigation. Attorneys determine what legal issues need development, researches those issues, and presents them in the appropriate forum. The attorney will negotiate with the State and promptly advise the client of the status of the negotiations. The attorney will litigate any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial. The attorney will also conduct any post-trial litigation necessary such as sentencing and post-trial

motions (excluding appeals.) Attorneys assigned to other units (specialty courts, juveniles) will also review documents provided by government agencies, discuss them with clients, and develop a strategy for representation in consultation with the client, and then carry out the representation in accordance with that strategy. Attorneys will conduct their law practice according to all applicable statutes, practice standards, and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct. Legal Proficiency: solid base of legal knowledge and advocacy skills while continually striving for better skills and to keep abreast of new law. Areas of proficiency should include: evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure, ethics, and collateral consequences. Makes the team culture stronger; volunteering to assist through education and coverage; respecting the value of others' work and roles in providing service to clients; keeping the team and office in the loop; communicating effectively and respectfully with clients, coworkers, colleagues, professionals and all other community members; accepting and meaningfully integrating constructive criticism; providing respectful constructive criticism to any member of the office when appropriate. Casework: zealously work for his or her client's goals by whatever legally and ethically permissible means exist. This includes: being punctual and thoroughly prepared for all court appearances; being unafraid to bring cases to trial; negotiating effectively with the District Attorney's office; advising clients properly and promptly communicating well with them, regardless of a client's disability or special circumstance; seeking experts and alternative programs to fit the clients' needs; investigating cases thoroughly; and communicating effectively and respectfully to the court. Initiate and lead staff meetings for case review and discussion and other office-related issues; provide leadership for staff. Maintain flow of case related information between team members assigned to each case, within groups and throughout the office, as appropriate. Community: represent the office well within the community. This includes: behaving with decorum and professionalism at all times when on the job; developing and maintaining relationships with agencies and other professionals; assisting other criminal defense attorneys in the pursuit of excellence; professionally place, receive and route calls through a computerized phone system. Maintain availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participate in training programs; maintain current knowledge of appropriate support functions.

Participate actively in the performance appraisal process, staff meetings, office committees, projects and training, as required. Maintain accurate, complete and legible case files. Perform duty attorney functions as assigned.

Company info

Metropolitan Public Defender Services
630 5th Avenue SW, Suite 500
Portland
Oregon
United States 97204
Website : http://www.mpdlaw.com