Trial Attorney (felonies)

Join the Utah County Public Defender Association as a Trial Attorney

The Utah County Public Defender Association is seeking to fill attorney positions. We are a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to ensuring justice and fair representation for individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel. Our office serves the community by providing high-quality defense services in criminal cases, striving to uphold the constitutional rights of our clients. As a Public Defender Attorney, you will advocate for clients facing criminal charges who qualify for public defense services. You will handle a diverse caseload ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, ensuring that each client receives diligent representation throughout all stages of their legal proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies.
• Represent clients in court hearings, trials, and other related proceedings.
• Negotiate plea agreements and settlements.
• Collaborate with colleagues, investigators, experts, and support staff to fulfill duties.
• Counsel and guide clients with professionalism and empathy.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards throughout all cases.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar.
• Experience in criminal defense litigation is preferred but not required for entry-level candidates.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Effectively work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to handle adversarial proceedings in a professional and civil manner
• Commitment to justice, fairness, and high-quality legal representation.

Work Environment and Caseload

The position is limited to practice in the Utah County Fourth District Court. Employees are prohibited from practicing outside the scope of their public defender duties. Attorneys will manage a significant caseload, including felony and misdemeanor cases, through all stages of district court proceedings such as pretrial hearings, trials, sentencing, and probation violation hearings. Compensation and Benefits

• With Starting salary: $104.145 to $128,398 annually (commensurate with experience).
• While proficiency in Spanish is not required, qualified Spanish-speaking attorneys will be eligible for additional compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Health insurance Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Support for professional development and continuing legal education (CLE).
• Hybrid remote/in-office works schedule eligible

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

• A brief cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications;
• Resume; and
• Professional references.

Send your application to:

Debbie Hill, Director

Email: debbieh@utcpd.com

Phone: 801-852-1070

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.