Principal Public Defender

General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused. Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings.

Essential Functions

• Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to indigent clients charged with felony criminal offenses.
• Conduct pretrial investigations, perform legal research and analyze and apply legal principles, interview clients and witnesses and conduct plea negotiations. Prepare defenses, including pretrial motion practice, litigate motions and trials.
• Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies, and developments.

Write motions, pleadings, and present legal arguments. Prepare legal documentation and represent clients throughout the legal process.

• Litigate pretrial discovery and pretrial motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains.
• Conduct jury and bench trials.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Strong research, analysis, decision-making and negotiation skills.
• Ability to litigate criminal trials with aggressive motions practice and persuasive oral advocacy.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, and procedures.
• Able to work under pressure with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Prior experience handling felony charges, conducting trials involving expert witnesses, developing and presenting mitigation, and conducting sentencing hearings is essential.

Supplemental Information

• Ability to meet clients in detention/jail/office
• Ability to spend entire day in court