Staff Attorney II

Overview

Position Description The Rhode Island Public Defender is seeking an attorney to represent indigent clients in Rhode Island state courts. Representation may include, depending upon the area of specialty, intake processing, collection of background information concerning the client and offense, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparation for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and any other representation functions. Representation also includes appearing in state courts and conducting criminal trials on behalf of indigent clients.

Applicants must maintain frequent contact and a good working relationship with clients and possess thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant criminal law and procedure. The assistant public defender in this role will represent clients in either the office’s Adult Criminal District Court Unit, Family Court Juvenile Unit, or Family Court Parental Rights Unit.

• Represent indigent clients in Rhode Island state courts, as assigned by the office.
• Engage in intake processing and collection of background information concerning the client and offense.
• Interview clients and witnesses, conduct case investigation, and prepare for court proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and writing; perform any other representation functions as needed.
• Appear in state courts and conduct criminal trials on behalf of indigent clients.
• Collaborate with the office and maintain frequent contact and a good working relationship with clients.
• Work within the office units:
  Adult Criminal District Court Unit, Family Court Juvenile Unit, or Family Court Parental Rights Unit.

• Ability to maintain frequent contact and a good working relationship with clients.
• Thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant criminal law and procedure.