Assistant Public Defender

CLASS TITLE:       ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER IV

Salary Grade: 828 A                       Classification: 00588700

Salary Range:  70644-79893

Direct Representation: The Rhode Island Public Defender is seeking an attorney to represent indigent clients in Rhode Island state courts. Representation may include, depending upon the area of specialty, intake processing, collection of background information concerning the client and offense, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparation for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and any other representation functions. Representation also includes appearing in state courts and conducting criminal trials on behalf of indigent clients. Applicants must maintain frequent contact and a good working relationship with clients and possess thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant criminal law and procedure. The assistant public defender in this role will represent clients in either the office’s Adult Criminal District Court Unit, Family Court Juvenile Unit, or Family Court Parental Rights Unit.

Administrative: Assistant public defenders must communicate regularly with clients, maintain accurate and complete case files, perform intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations, and participate in public defender trainings.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: This is an entry level position, working under the direct supervision of unit or division head, with latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment. Work is reviewed and evaluated periodically; close supervision on a daily basis is provided commensurate with experience and skills. 

CASELOADS: Caseloads are limited, in number and/or type, commensurate with experience and skills.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: In the course of representing clients, this attorney will coordinate the work of investigators, social workers, and administrative support staff. Attorneys are also expected to supervise law student interns.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Review client’s file to identify important facts and legal issues, research and analyze legal programs, advise client on courtroom proceedings, and advocate for client in all proceedings in the trial courts.

Meet with clients to walk through the criminal legal process, determine viable trial issues, and explore possible negotiated dispositions.

Represent clients at a variety of court proceedings, including but not limited to hearings, conferences, oral arguments, and trials.

Provide legal assistance to inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions, Training School, any federal penitentiary, or any state prison requesting assistance from the Office of the Public Defender for the purpose of resolving pending criminal charges.

Perform legal research and writing; draft relevant pre-trial, in limine, and post-trial motions and memoranda; and provide technical and legal assistance to other assistant public defenders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: Applicants should possess superior courtroom skills, the ability to think creatively about legal problems, and the desire to zealously advocate on behalf of low-income clients. The ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients and the ability to meet and deal effectively with officials of the state, court, or local prosecution are also desirable skills. Although prior criminal trial experience is not necessarily required, applicants should have a knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence, as well as some familiarity with the challenges faced by indigent defendants in the criminal legal system. Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole is a strong plus.  

                EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

                Education:                  Such as may have been gained through graduation from a law school of recognized standing, and

                Experience:                Such as may have been gained through employment as a practicing attorney or previous experience in a responsible position in a related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: A J.D. from an accredited law school; admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission.

PARTICIPANT IN THE J.R. JUSTICE

LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to careers@ripd.org. The Rhode Island Public Defender is an equal opportunity and diversity employer.  We encourage applications from people whose backgrounds are underrepresented in the legal profession.