Assistant Public Defender; Felony Trial Attorney

The Public Defender Corporation for Boone and Lincoln Counties in the 9th Judicial Circuit, is seeking a motivated trial attorney specializing in criminal defense to join our legal team in Hamlin, WV. The Corporation is a small non-profit law office dedicated to defending indigent clients in West Virginia’s criminal justice system through court appointment.

The right candidate will be able to hit the ground running with a caseload of primarily felony cases and to fill in gaps where needed.

A lawyer who chooses to become a public defender must be able to express compassion for the situations in their clients’ lives while also protecting the client’s rights throughout all criminal proceedings.

This position will be based out of the Corporation’s Hamlin, West Virginia office. The Assistant Public Defender will primarily practice in the magistrate and circuit courts of Lincoln County.

• Conduct legal research and analysis on various issues.
• Read and become familiar with the laws and court rules in criminal proceedings.
• Prepare and draft legal documents, such as motions, orders, and client letters.
• Represent clients in court proceedings from preliminary hearing to trial.
• Negotiate plea agreements that are favorable to the client.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues on complex cases.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in the law and legal precedents.

• Strong legal administrative skills, including organization, and time management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex legal ideas in everyday language.
• Proficient in conducting thorough legal research.
• Ability to negotiate effectively on behalf of clients for pleas agreements.
• Experience in legal drafting, including a strong background in motions practice.
• Familiarity with legal research tools such as Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis.
• Ability to litigate cases in court.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

If you are a dedicated attorney looking for a challenging yet rewarding opportunity in public service, we encourage you to apply.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Chief Public Defender Tim Gibson at tgibson, via fax at , or by mail to the Public Defender Corporation for the 9th Judicial Circuit, 320 Main Street, Madison, WV 25130.

Applicants for this position may be considered to fill other open positions in the Corporation.