Oklahoma Indigent Defense System · 2 weeks ago
Defense Counsel (Okmulgee)
Okmulgee, OK
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid, Senior LevelThe Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma. OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in their Non-Capital Trial Division, responsible for representing indigent individuals in state court at the trial level and providing competent legal advice and advocacy during the criminal trial process.
Law Practice
Responsibilities
Performs case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. 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
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctorate degree
active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission
scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam
knowledge of applicable state and federal laws
knowledge of applicable regulations for non-capital trials
knowledge of constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution
knowledge of agency policies and procedures
knowledge of trial and hearing procedures
knowledge of rules of evidence
methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing
critical thinking skills
conducting legal research skills
written and oral communication skills
Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills
attention to detail
sound judgment and decision making skills
ability to present statements of fact and law
ability to clearly and logically articulate position in written and oral form
ability to analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures
ability to direct and/or perform independent and difficult research
ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems
ability to conduct legal research on Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based legal resources
ability to meet timelines while following the Oklahoma statutes
ability to represent the agency in a professional manner
must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct
must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position
Benefits
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
Company
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System is a State of Oklahoma agency located in Norman, Oklahoma
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase