Public Defender Attorney (III) - Indigent Defense Counsel - Specialty Attorney

Job Description

WAGE: $61.76 - $95.73

DEPARTMENT: Weber Public Defender Group

BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement, 401k match, Sick/Vacation, Life Insurance, Short-term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness; Parental Leave; Maternity Leave

PERSONNEL STATUS: Full Time FLSA Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW:

Attorney III-Specialty Attorney-to serve as lead counsel on the County's most serious indigent defense cases.

The specialty assignment covers F1 homicides, F1 sex offenses and State RICO offenses in the 2nd District, Ogden Department Courts.

Capital cases are excluded.

The attorney represents qualified indigent clients prosecuted by the Weber County Attorney's Office and the Utah State Attorney General's Office.

Work is performed under the direction of the Director and the Chief Attorney, with minimal day-to-day supervision.

The attorney serves as lead counsel and supervises the attorney appointed as second chair on each assigned case.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Specialty case representation

Serve as lead counsel on assigned F1 homicide, F1 sex offense and State RICO cases in the 2nd District, Ogden Department Courts, from initial appearance through case resolution, including jury trial, sentencing and/or dismissal.

Competently and professionally handle the most serious and complex criminal actions.

Supervise the attorney appointed as second chair on each case, including delegating and monitoring responsibilities.

Lead a team of attorneys and staff as assigned, and mentor less experienced attorneys on all aspects of criminal defense.

Case work

Interview clients and perform a legal needs assessment: file the appearance of counsel, obtain and review initial discovery, identify legal issues and additional discovery needed, and follow up with the prosecuting office, law enforcement or other agencies to obtain it.

Identify issues requiring additional pleadings and motions, file them, and present competent and compelling arguments to the court.

Negotiate case resolutions with prosecutors in the best interests of the client.

Refer clients to the Forensic Social Work Division and coordinate with social workers on mitigation, mental health and substance abuse services.

This requires the ability to recognize those issues in a client's case.

Seek investigators and experts for specific issues, in coordination with supervisors and the Director.

Set up and review case files in department-approved case management software, and maintain basic case information in it.

Maintain accurate case records and activity entries as WPDG requires.

Team and professional duties

Collaborate closely with team attorneys, staff and agencies to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.

Stay current on case law, statutes and general knowledge in the assigned practice areas.

Attend required training and train teammates as directed by the Division Chief or Director.

Represent WPDG on local, county and state committees and coalitions, and serve on in-house committees ...