Defense Counsel; Clinton

Defense Counsel (Clinton)

Join to apply for the Defense Counsel (Clinton) role at Oklahoma Indigent Defense System.

• Agency 047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM
• Supervisory Organization Okla Indigent Defense System
• Full/Part-Time Full time
• Job Type Regular
• Compensation Salary commensurate with qualifications and within agency salary schedule.
• Job Posting End Date Note:
  Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

The 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, Clinton office.

Provide legal representation in non-capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, in all phases of assigned cases.

• Performs case management activities, including 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; develops plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client’s input; secures assistance from experts; and formulates 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 whether 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.

Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.

• Level I: < 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
• Level II: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level III: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level IV: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level V: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level VI: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience.

Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws; applicable regulations for non-capital trials; constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution; agency policies and procedures; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing.

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.

Abilities required include presenting statements of fact and law; clearly and logically articulating position in written and oral form; analyzing, interpreting, and applying various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; performing independent difficult research and analyzing appraising and applying legal principles; conducting legal research on Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based legal resources; meeting…