Senior Assistant Public Defender- Criminal Unit

Overview

This is a permanent position in the Dutchess County Public Defenders Office. Under the direction and supervision of a Bureau Chief, this is a senior attorney position requiring defense of all clients assigned to them by the Court or their Bureau Chief. Although direction, consultation and advice from the Bureau Chief and other higher-level employees will be available, latitude is given for the exercise of independent judgment with the expectation of full case management through trial.

Senior Assistant Public Defenders shall counsel and represent clients at every stage of the proceedings in either Criminal court or Family court and shall use their judgement to initiate such proceedings necessary to protect the rights of the accused, or rights as provided under case law or applicable statutes. Senior Assistant Public Defender assist the Public Defender in the investigation, preparation, case management and appeal in Criminal or Family court and legal proceedings involving indigent clients.

Work is performed in assignments outside of normal working hours may be given.

Knowledge of the principals and practices of criminal law to effectively defend clients;
Knowledge of court procedures and the rules of evidence to protect the rights of the client;
Skill in the preparation of briefs and in the presentation of a case before a court; ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts and precedent to legal problems;
Personal characteristics necessary to perform the duties of the position;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Admission to practice law in the State of New York

Minimum 3 years legal experience handling Criminal Court Matters