LINK: "Attorney - Public Defender" - State of Montana
Location: Butte, Montana
Description:
Application materials are being solicited by the Office of the State Public Defender from individuals who have a desire to perform Public Defender work for indigent clients. Part time and full time positions may become available in Kalispell, Polson, Missoula, Hamilton, Great Falls, Helena, Butte, Havre, Bozeman, Billings, Glendive and Miles City. Travel required. Public Defenders are represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSME) Bargaining Unit. Employees covered by the terms of the Bargaining Unit Agreement shall not be required to become members of the Union but must, as a term and condition of employment, pay a representation fee to the Union. Applications received under this vacancy announcement will be considered for opportunities over the next 6 months.
Duties:
Reviews investigative reports from law enforcement officers, charging documents and interviews defendant and witnesses to determine the facts of the case and to decide on case strategy. Prepares for and appears with clients at all court appearances such as arraignments, guilty pleas, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing hearings, guardianships and dependent and neglect hearings. Responds to motions and arguments from the prosecution. Conducts all phases of trial. Prepares, examines and introduces witnesses, including experts, and exhibits. Gathers evidence and arranges for tests of physical evidence. Performs legal research, prepares and files legal motions, briefs and other documents. Negotiates plea bargaining agreements on behalf of the defendant. Defends indigent criminal offenders including adults and juveniles and represents persons in involuntary commitment proceedings. Prepares and present appeals of cases when, in the Public Defender’s opinion, an appeal is in the interest of justice. Handles appropriate post conviction matters. Prepares, examines and introduces witnesses, including experts, and exhibits. Prepares for and participates in sentence review proceedings.
Education/Experience:
The minimum requirements include Juris Doctor from ABA accredited law school. Ideal candidates will include recent graduates who have a strong desire to work in the Public Defender System with little or no experience up to having at least six years of practical experience in law, preferably in litigation of criminal and civil law involving public defense actions. Admission to the State Bar of Montana no later than September 2010 is preferred. Positions filled at the higher levels will require admission to Montana Courts, U.S. District Courts and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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