Assistant Public Defender

Job Description: 

Under close supervision of the supervising attorney, is responsible for conducting legal research including researching precedents in cases. Prepares and disseminates complex documents; compiles and prepares subpoenas, pleadings, etc. Develops and modifies forms and procedures. Deliver legal pleadings.

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards: 

• Provides support and assistance to supervising attorney on a variety of legal matters. Responds to requests for information and provides answers, opinions, and recommendations regarding legal issues. 
  1. Researches for the staff on all matters affected by applicable laws and regulations and of legal ramification.
  2. Responds to inquiries regarding legal determinations and disseminates written response or reports to interested parties.
  3. Reviews subpoenas, court orders, affidavits, and other legal documents in order to inform staff.
• Assists in the preparation and coordination of cases prior to and during court trials and subsequent appeals. 
  1. Assists in legal research; analyze statutes, case law, and other relevant information in aid of the development of case strategies.
  2. In conjunction with supervising attorney, prepares petitions, briefs, motions and other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence for both litigation and mitigation phases.
• Participates in the preparation and coordination of cases prior to and during court trials. 
  1. Gathers information, identifies and reviews facts and issues in the preparation for trials.
  2. Gathers documents, prepares exhibits and other necessary items for court.
  3. Prepares legal documents, reports, and statements in connection with litigation/mitigation.                                                                                                               
• Complies with continuing requirements to improve effectiveness. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature as well as attending related and mandatory seminars and/or conferences. Applies pertinent new knowledge to performance and other responsibilities. 
  1. Accepts and carries out responsibility for personal growth. o Attends professional education programs/seminars as mandated by law. o Incorporates knowledge of pertinent new trends and developments in the field into the performance of responsibilities.
• Interacts with all levels of state government in a way that promotes respect, encourages cooperation, and contributes to excellent performance. o Treats all customers fairly, giving no one preferential treatment. o Communicates accurate information to all other customers in a professional and courteous manner that conveys a willingness to assist. o Accepts direction and feedback from supervisors and follows through appropriately.
  1. Uses as appropriate, established channels of communication.

Sample Technical Competencies: 

• Knowledge of statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations and departmental policy.  
• Ability to perform research and analysis.  
• Ability to draft legal instruments, contracts, proposed legislation and legal opinions.  
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts and present such materials in clear and logical form for oral and written presentation.   
• Ability to determine compliance with rules and regulations  

Entry Qualifications:

• Completion of a law degree
• License to practice law in the State of Georgia OR Eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination.

Career Development Levels: 

• Assistant Public Defender II
• Assistant Public Defender III
• Assistant Public Defender IV