Salary commensurate with qualifications and within agency salary schedule.Job DescriptionThe Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in our Non-Capital Trial Division, Cleveland County office.Basic PurposeDefense Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process.
Typical Functions
Performs case management activities, this includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
Communicates with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgement proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation
Communicates with client's friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information
Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client's guilt or innocence and potential sentences
Collects and maintains evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws
Prepares for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client's input; securing assistance from experts; and formulating a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation
Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions
Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable
Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds
Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned
Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff
Performs administrative duties when asked
Level Descriptor
Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.
Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
Skills required include critical thinking; conducting legal research; written and oral communication; Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making.
Education and Experience
Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
Special Requirements
Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct
Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Benefit Highlights
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include:
Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Job Posting Title
Defense Counsel (Cleveland County)
Agency
047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM
Supervisory Organization
Okla Indigent Defense System
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Okgov · Cleveland County