Managing Public Defender

State of Montana
US - Montana - Missoula
December 25, 2024

Description:To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. Our Mission

To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Our VisionCreating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable OutcomesReasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:Our work changes lives! The work OPD does, makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about OPD visit our website HERE.

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana, offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.

Other fantastic benefits include:

Health Coverage
Retirement plans
Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays
Work/life balance
Flexible schedules
Opportunities and room for professional growth
Telework (when applicable)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click HERE to learn more!

Materials Required of Applicants:

Cover Letter
Resume
References: Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.
Supplemental questions (if applicable)

About this Opportunity!Job Overview:

Managing Attorneys ensure that effective and efficient legal services are rendered for clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender by providing guidance, leadership and day to day supervision to Public Defenders within an assigned office or Region. This position's responsibilities involve establishing office protocols, ensuring that public defender assignments within the Public Defender Office comply with the provisions of MCA 47-1-202(7); Contracts for services as provided in MCA 47-1-216;conducts record keepingof public defender and associated services of Office expenses and Implements the standards and procedures established by management. In addition to the supervision and management of staff and office procedures this position will also be required to carry a caseload that will require representing indigent clients in a variety of cases. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

A. Client Representation(65%)

Represents clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary
Provides legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure or death penalty, life in prison
Reviews and prepares legal documents including but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts and/or other legal agreements
Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings
Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases
Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules
Identifies and Interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify
Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and/or facilitates a resolution
Provides consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions
Provides assistance and/or collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings
Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent
Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law; may develop expertise in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary

B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision(30%)

Implements office standards and procedures and ensures that work and caseloads comply with policy, procedures and/or statute, such as, time keeping, case opening and assignment requirements
Ensures appropriate and timeliness of pleadings, motions, appeals, case preparation, scheduling, and follow-up by Public Defenders
Responsible for directing, coordinating and supervising work and activities; provides leadership, advice and training and evaluates the work and performance of Public Defenders
Responsible for hiring, discipline and firing of Public Defenders within assigned offices
Serves as the Public Defender's liaison with the County Attorney's Office, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies within assigned office locations to coordinate criminal and misdemeanor case activity and disposition
In consultation with, the Regional Public Defender, investigates complaints and grievances from disgruntled clients and recommends appropriate resolution of problems; represents Office of the Public Defender in disputes that arise with law enforcement agencies, County Attorneys, and judicial offices regarding policies and procedures
Participates in the development of operational plans, goals and directives to meet agency needs and develops recommendations for enhancing the operations and services of the Office of the Public Defender by Identifying costs, timing and other potential key issues; recommends appropriate course of action with the Regional Deputy Public Defender
Approves office expenses as delegated by the Regional Public Defender and assists with budgeting

C. Other duties as assigned(5%)

May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law
Attends continuing education trainings, workshops or conferences as necessary or required
May provide office support as requested or as needed .

Read the full job description and apply online on the recuiter's web-site

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