Defense Counsel

A Government Entity is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.
OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in our Non-Capital Trial Division, Poteau office.
Basic Purpose
Provide legal representation in non-capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, in all phases of assigned cases.
Defense Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process.
Typical Functions:

• Performs case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. This includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
• Communicates with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgement proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation
• Communicates with client's friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information
• Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client's guilt or innocence and potential sentences
• Collects and maintains evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws
• Prepares for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client's input; securing assistance from experts; and formulating a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation
• Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions
• Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable
• Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds
• Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned
• Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff
• Performs administrative duties when asked

Level Descriptor

• Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.
• Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of applicable state and federal laws; applicable regulations for non-capital trials; constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution; agency policies and procedures; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing.
Skills required include critical thinking; conducting legal research; written and oral communication; Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making.
Abilities required include presenting statements of fact and law; clearly and logically articulate position in written and oral form; analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; direct and/or perform independent and difficult research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems; conduct legal research on Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based legal resources; meet timelines while following the Oklahoma statutes; and represent the agency in a professional manner.
Education and Experience:
Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.

• Level I: < 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
• Level II: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience.
  
• Level III: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience.
  
• Level IV: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience.
  
• Level V: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience.
  
• Level VI: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience.
  

Special Requirements:
Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct