Defense Counsel; Lawton

Defense Counsel (Lawton)

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, Lawton office.

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include 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 articulate position in written and oral form; analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; direct and/or perform independent and difficult research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems;

conduct legal research on Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet‑based legal resources; meet timelines while following the Oklahoma statutes; and represent the agency in a professional manner.

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.

• 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

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre‑existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
• Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full‑time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
• 11 paid holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.