CAREER OPPORTUNITY-WASHINGTON COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDENT

The Office of the Washington County Public Defender is the oldest public defender’s office in the State of Mississippi, established by the State Legislature in 1972. The office consists of two attorneys, an office manager, and an investigator.

SUMMARY The position of the Washington County Assistant Public Defender consists of representing indigent clients accused of committing felony crimes. The attorney will be expected to represent clients in municipal, justice, and circuit courts. Duties require analyzing and interpreting statutory and case law, establishing professional relationships, and exercising independent judgment in the interpretation and enforcement of criminal statutes and fundamental constitutional principles.

This position works in conjunction with and under the direct supervision of the Washington County Public Defender.EXAMPLE OF BASIC TASKS AND DUTIES The following examples are intended as illustrations of the various types of work to be performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive in the examples provided. Interview people accused of committing criminal offenses. Regular visits with people in detention facilities and/or prisons. The ability to return phone calls and emails in a timely manner. Court appearances on behalf of accused in all courts systems within Washington County, including but not limited to initial appearances, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motion hearings, and trials. Negotiate with charging authorities in an attempt to reach a final disposition of the charge. Act as lead and/or assisting counsel in felony trials in circuit court. Act as assisting counsel in capital felony trials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The attorney must be licensed to practice law in all state courts in the State of Mississippi and be in good standing with the Mississippi Bar and Mississippi Supreme Court. In addition, the attorney must have a valid Mississippi driver’s license. Preference will be given to attorneys with prior jury trial experience

Job #620531