Assistant Public Defender

Company Overview

The Warren County Public Defender's Office is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to criminally accused indigent defendants. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to dedicated and knowledgeable legal counsel in both criminal and family court matters.

Summary

We are seeking an Assistant Public Defender (APD) to represent indigent defendants throughout every stage of criminal legal proceedings, from arraignment through final disposition. The APD will conduct client intake interviews, review discovery materials, engage in factual investigation, legal research, motion practice, plea negotiations, hearings and trial preparation, and conduct bench and/or jury trials. The APD will be supervised by the Public Defender and First Assistant PD, receive guidance and mentorship from senior APDs, and have extensive flexibility to exercise independent judgment in crafting legal arguments and procedural strategies to achieve high level client representation.

SALARY

$91,919 - $122,471 annually benefits (paid holidays, sick time, personal days, vacation, flex time, health benefits, vision/dental plans, pension, deferred compensation plan, CLE courses, bar license renewal fees, eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)).

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

At time of appointment, candidate must EITHER be a resident of Warren County, OR of an adjacent county.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Represents and advises defendants at every stage of legal proceedings following arrest;
• Completes paperwork for opening new client files and submits arraignment paperwork to support staff within time limits provided;
• Confers with defendants and potential witnesses for fact gathering;
• Prepares for trial by conducting preliminary hearings, filing motions, arguing pretrial hearings, evaluating case strategies, conducting legal research, and conferencing with Assistant District Attorneys concerning possible plea bargains;
• Prepares for trial by reviewing rules of evidence, filing motions in limine, drafting questions for cross-examination of witnesses, and preparing defense witnesses for testimony;
• Conducts jury trials from voir dire through verdict, with mentor to act as second chair to advise and provide guidance;
• Communicates with PD support staff members to ensure proper maintenance of case file database;
• Completes accurate and thorough case file progress notes throughout pendency of action;
• Drafts post judgment motions, including motions to vacate, and submits notices of appeal.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in the state of New York
• Strong knowledge of criminal law principles
• Proficiency in legal research tools such as Westlaw
• Excellent writing skills for drafting legal documents and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Possession of a NYS driver's license

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in need through compassionate legal advocacy, we invite you to apply for the Assistant Public Defender position at the Warren County Public Defender's Office today!

Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to:

Erin K. Komon, Esq.

Warren County Public Defender

Warren County Public Defender’s Office

1340 State Route 9

Lake George, New York 12845

komone@warrencountyny.gov

Warren County is an Equal Opportunity / DEI Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $91,919.00 - $122,471.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $91,919 - $122,471