Discover the essential requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills needed for a Public Defender job description.
What does a Public Defender do?
A public defender is a lawyer who is hired by the government to represent people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney when they are accused of a crime.
Job Description
We are looking for a skilled public defender to handle all aspects of representing clients who cannot afford their own lawyer. This includes providing legal representation during all stages of a case, preparing and presenting a defense, and making sure all necessary legal documents are submitted on time.
In order to be a successful public defender, you should be able to do legal research, understand and apply legal principles, and effectively defend criminal cases. It is also important to have good relationships with everyone involved in a case.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Representing clients and giving them legal advice.
- Defending clients during criminal investigations.
- Preparing a defense by doing legal research, gathering evidence, and talking to clients and witnesses.
- Working closely with clients by sharing information, discussing strategies, and updating them on any developments in their case.
- Helping clients get released from jail by arranging for bail or posting bonds.
- Writing legal documents like motions, pleadings, and arguments.
- Preparing legal paperwork and representing clients in court.
- Handling tasks like pretrial discovery, changing guilty pleas, filing motions to suppress evidence, and making appeals.
- Attending sentencing hearings and negotiating plea deals.
Requirements and Qualifications
- A law degree (Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws) is required.
- You must be licensed to practice law in the state where you will be working.
- Previous experience with criminal law and trials is preferred.
- Knowledge of criminal law, the court system, and court procedures is necessary.
- Excellent organizational, speaking, and writing skills are required.
- You should be able to handle pressure and pay close attention to details.
- Strong research, analysis, and decision-making abilities are important.
- Good people skills and the ability to be diplomatic are necessary.
- Proficiency with computers is important.