Deputy Public Defender

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the representation of individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Candidates for this position may be designated “Senior Deputy Public Defender”, depending upon education and experience.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Represents clients in criminal, abuse and neglect, juvenile, mental health and involuntary committal proceedings.

• Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents.

• Participates in initial appearances, arraignments, motion hearings and trials to provide legal representation and defense for clients.

• Provides information to the Courts, Court Administration, Clerk of Courts, County Auditor and County Commission as requested.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law.

• Knowledge of investigative tools and techniques.

• Knowledge of trial proceedings.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in the completion of legal research.

• Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.

• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Chief Public Defender assigns work according to department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include rules of professional conduct, rules of ethics, South Dakota Supreme Court rules, South Dakota codified law, rules of evidence, and county and department policies and procedure. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied legal duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The fast pace of the working environment contributes to the complexity of the position.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, legal assistants, other county employees, other attorneys, law enforcement personnel, judges, victims, witnesses, defendants, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence persons; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

• The work is typically performed in an office or courtroom.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position may supervise assigned personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Current membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.

  BENEFITS

• Employer paid premiums for employee health, dental, and life insurance

• SDRS participant with a 6% retirement match for eligible employees

• Generous paid time off and extended sick leave package

• 13 paid holidays throughout the year

  Equal Opportunity Employer