Public Defender Attorney I

Job Description



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*This listing is for current Weber Pubic Defender Group Employees/Contract Attorneys.

Candidates not currently assigned or contracted with the Weber Public Defender Group will not be considered

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WAGE: DOE
DEPARTMENT: Public Defender
PERSONNEL STATUS: Full-Time, FLSA Exempt
BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement, 401k match, Sick/Vacation, Life Insurance, Short-term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness; Parental Leave; Maternity Leave

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the direction of the Director, Chief of the Criminal Division and designated supervising attorneys, perform criminal defense work for qualified indigent parties (Clients) being prosecuted by the Weber and/or Morgan County Attorney's Office and the Utah State Attorney General's Office in Weber and Morgan Counties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Represent Clients in District, Juvenile, Justice and Specialty Courts in Weber and Morgan Counties as assigned including representation in all phases of the court process from initial appearance to, trail, sentencing and/or dismissal of a case.

Interview Clients and perform legal needs assessment, including, but not limited to, filing an appearance of counsel, obtaining initial discovery, reviewing said discovery to determine legal issues and any additional discovery needed and follow-up with the Weber or Morgan County Attorney's Office and/or appropriate law enforcement or other agencies to obtain needed information.

Identify issues in a case that requires the filing of additional pleadings and motions, file said pleadings and motions and present competent and compelling arguments before the court in support of such pleadings and motions as may be appropriate.

Make referrals to the Forensic Social Work Division and coordinate with social workers to determine mitigation, mental health, and/or substance abuse services that may be appropriate in a case.

This will require a basic knowledge and ability to recognize mitigation, mental health and/or substance abuse issues that may arise in a Client's case.

Seek the assistance of an investigator and/or expert as may be appropriate regarding specific identified issues in a case in coordination with your supervisors and/or the director.

Set up and review case files in department approved case management software and maintain basic case information in said software.

Negotiate case resolutions with prosecutors in the best interests of your Client.

Collaborate closely with team attorneys, staff members and various agencies to achieve favorable outcomes for your Clients.

Remain up to date on current case law, statutes and general knowledge in your assigned areas.

Attend training as required and provide a summary of said training to your team mates as directed by Division Chief and/or Director.

Represent WPDG on various local, county and/or state committees and coalitions as assigned and serve on in-house committees and/or spearhead groups as assigned.

Any one position may not include al...