Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Portage, WI

Job Description:
Assistant State Public Defender - Trial Attorney
The candidate will provide intake services in accordance with the statutes, administrative rules, agency policies and procedures, and local office procedures and respond promptly to requests for representation from prospective clients of the office. Interview individuals to determine indigency in compliance with the statutes, administrative rules, agency policies and procedures, and local office procedures. Complete the case opening form used in the case management system. Obtain complete client information for use by successor counsel. Represent clients in judicial and administrative proceedings in a competent, effective, ethical, and zealous manner in accordance with the Attorney Performance Standards set forth in the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Rules of the Professional Conduct, SCR ch. 20. Interview each client and keep the client informed of the status of the case, court or hearing dates, negotiations, the client's options, and applicable law. Evaluate the factual and legal issues in each client's case, doing the necessary legal research, obtaining discovery, and conducting factual investigation, in person or by using an investigator. Document each client's file. Prepare appropriate legal pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, jury instructions, and other legal documents. Consult with the client and witnesses, including expert witnesses, to prepare and present a viable defense. Develop and present alternatives for pretrial release. Provide courtroom representation for the client throughout the duration of the case including motion hearings, court and jury trials, and other contested hearings. File and handle any necessary interlocutory appeals. When appropriate, attempt to resolve the client's case through negotiation. Develop and present alternatives at the time of sentencing, commitment, or other disposition of the client's case. Advise the client of appeal rights and file necessary post-conviction notices. Upon completion of a case and in accordance with the case management system, submit a complete and timely case closing form. Maintain calendar control of own cases and keep the local office advised of one's location. Keep abreast of the statutory and decisional law in those areas of practice for which one is responsible. Maintain own license to practice law and obtain at least the required number of CLE credits. Be present in either the office, county jails, courthouse or otherwise on office business and accessible to the office during the local office hours and available by telephone 24 hours a day. Work with other staff in the office and attorneys as assigned and share knowledge and experience. Perform other duties as assigned by agency management.

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