Assistant Public Defender

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

STAFF ATTORNEY

Salary Grade: 830 A       

Classification: 00584400   Salary Range: 83319-94319

The Rhode Island Public Defender is seeking an attorney to represent indigent clients in Rhode Island state courts.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: A J.D. from an accredited law school; admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission.

EDUCATION: A J.D. from an accredited law school

EXPERIENCE: None required

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:

A thorough knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws; a thorough knowledge of the problems inherent in the criminal justice field; the ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients assigned; the ability to meet and deal effectively with officials of the State, Court, or local prosecution; the ability to conduct special research projects; the ability to prepare detailed factual reports; and related capacities and abilities.

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

Representation includes appearing in state courts and conducting criminal trials on behalf of indigent clients. Representation also includes include intake processing, collection of background information, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparation for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and any other representation functions.

Assistant Public Defenders must maintain frequent contact and a good working relationship with clients and possess thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant criminal law and procedure. The assistant public defender in this role will represent clients in the office’s Adult Criminal District Court Unit, Family Court Juvenile Unit, or Family Court Parental Rights Unit.

Assistant Public Defenders must maintain accurate, complete, and up to date files with entries made in a timely manner, and provide such documentation when required. Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients is required.  Attending public defender training and community programs is required. Conducting Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations may be required.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: 

Assistant Public Defenders works under the general supervision of a unit or division head, with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment. Work is reviewed and evaluated periodically. 

CASELOAD:

Caseloads may be limited in number and/or type, commensurate with skill and experience. Assignment of particularly demanding cases may be accompanied by special assistance and/or resources.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

With respect to representation in individual cases, the attorney is expected to plan, organize, coordinate, direct and review the work of investigators, social workers, and administrative support staff assigned to assist.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Advise and represent the legal interests of assigned clients.

Represent clients at a variety of court proceedings, including but not limited to hearings, conferences, oral arguments, and trials.

Provide legal assistance to inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions, Training School, any federal penitentiary, or any state prison requesting assistance from the Office of the Public Defender for the purpose of resolving pending criminal charges.

Provide technical and legal assistance to other assistant public defenders as required.

Respond to requests for technical and/or legal advice as assigned by supervisor(s).

Remain knowledgeable about federal and state law, as relevant to the legal specialty practiced.  

Prepare briefs for memorandum and/or argument.

Prepare legal research necessary to conduct a criminal trial or hearing.