Specialized Attorney 4

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgias more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Specialized Attorney 4

Agency:

Georgia Public Defender Council

Job Requisition ID:

JR

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE

Job Description:

APD IV Specialized Unit Metro Office

The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is expanding its Specialized Unit which handles serious and complex criminal cases statewide to establish three offices: North Metro and South. As part of this expansion GPDC is seeking an experienced Assistant Public Defender 4 (APD 4) to serve in the Metro Office located at GPDCs Central Office in Downtown Atlanta.

The APD IV will serve as a lead trial attorney within the Specialized Unit and will be responsible for first-chairing serious and complex criminal cases throughout the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. This position requires an attorney with substantial courtroom and trial experience who is prepared to assume primary responsibility for high-level felony litigation from case preparation through trial and resolution.

The APD IV will provide specialized representation across multiple areas including Clayton Griffin DeKalb Rockdale Alcovy and Fulton. The attorney must be able to travel throughout the Metro region and effectively manage a demanding caseload involving serious offenses while maintaining the highest standards of advocacy professionalism and client-centered representation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files inputs and records case-related data and notes logs case activities and closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration clients witnesses experts and others.

Represents clients in court at various stages of cases including arraignments preliminary and pretrial hearings probation and sentencing post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings appeals or any related courtroom proceedings: negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; prepares and argues motions; conducts jury selection makes opening and closing statements presents evidence and questions witnesses; and makes appropriate objections and arguments.

Reviews discovery; interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; review criminal histories; prepares graphics and exhibits; explore alternative explanations for the alleged incident; follows up on defense leads; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares clients for trial; determines the need for procures and interviews expert witnesses; assesses the need for psychological/psychiatric evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; develops defense theory and case strategies.

Receives and reviews various documentation including police reports witness statements laboratory reports criminal histories defense motions and case law updates; reviews completes processes forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms reports correspondence and other documentation including a variety of motions orders letters notices petitions legal briefs trial summaries and departmental reports; compiles data for further processing or use in the preparation of department reports and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Secures mitigating evidence for sentencing or restitution; reviews court orders and case plans; files related requests motions and appeals; advocates for the client; and secures additional services for the client. Argues mitigating evidence; negotiates resolutions with assistant district attorneys; and advise clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers.

Researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms procedures or science used in other fields that may be relevant to a case; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; drafts jury charges; and makes trial notes.

Develops trusting and supportive attorney-client relationship; explains and advises clients regarding their rights the investigative and judicial process and the advisability of alternative courses of action; provides updates regarding case status.

Attends conferences seminars meetings and training events relevant to the area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes and participates in professional organizations.

Communicates with prosecuting attorneys judges investigators legal support staff witnesses experts translators client friends and family probation officers supervisor government officials other employees the public and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities review the status of work present or exchange information provide legal counsel and interpretation or resolve problems.

All other duties as assigned.

Serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director

AGENCY QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Demonstrates the knowledge to conduct case research and documentation.

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of federal state and local criminal laws.

Demonstrates the knowledge to investigate and prepare cases for hearings and trials.

Demonstrates proficiency in the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities to function in the position effectively.

Makes sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action even in uncertain situations to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Effectively manages own time with a high level of initiative in accomplishing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills including superior written and spoken communication.

Displays a high level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to as well as apply on Team Georgia Careers at

The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications and any other qualifications specific to the job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate in a related area from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity and three (3) years of relevant legal experience; or three (3) years of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 3 (LEP022).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race color national origin sex religion age disability or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.