Defense Counsel (Clinton)

Job Posting TitleDefense Counsel (Clinton)Agency047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEMSupervisory OrganizationOkla Indigent Defense SystemJob 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, Clinton office.Basic PurposeProvide legal representation in non‑capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, in all phases of assigned cases.Defense 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 FunctionsPerform case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, including maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders.Communicate with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post‑judgement proceedings, per agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation.Communicate with client's friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information.Conduct independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client's guilt or innocence and potential sentences.Collect and maintain evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws.Prepare for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client's input; secure assistance from experts; formulate a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation.Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions.Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable.Preserve legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds.Serve as Co‑Counsel as assigned.Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff.Perform administrative duties when asked.Level DescriptorPositions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and CompetenciesKnowledge 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: critical thinking; conducting legal research; written and oral communication; Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel); attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making.Abilities: 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 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; represent the agency in a professional manner.Education and ExperienceApplicants 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.Level I: 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.Special RequirementsMust abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.Benefit HighlightsThe 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.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.Method of ApplicationInterested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, or currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers – State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.Equal Opportunity EmploymentThe 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.Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:Agency Contact#J-18808-Ljbffr

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