Attorney Public Defender

Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents offers rewarding work and career development opportunities including a comprehensive benefit package including fully paid family health insurance, an excellent retirement plan, annual and sick leave, and a variety of voluntary insurance options, along with a flexible work schedule.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applicants will be considered immediately upon submitting application materials. The position may be filled prior to the listed closing date after successful completion of the application and interview process.

Salary is dependent upon experience; position may be entitled to a temporary location increase.

Williston, known as "Boomtown USA," has many things to offer such as unique dining experiences from food truck cuisine to fine dining there is something for everyone's palate. Williston is home to the Area Recreation Center (ARC) which is a state-of-the-art fitness facility with family friendly activities and even has indoor surfing. Lake Sakakawea, the third largest man-made lake in the United States with over 180 miles of coastline, is located only about 60 miles from Williston and provides many outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and camping. Lewis and Clark State Park is about 30 minutes away from Williston and has a campground, hiking trails, beaches, and a marina.

Summary of Work

This position will represent indigent clients in judicial proceedings in the Northwest Judicial District and on appeals in the North Dakota Supreme Court. This position will require travel to all counties in the Northwest Judicial District and will provide conflict services in other jurisdictions.

Our agency is committed to a vertical representation structure. You will be handling cases from initial appearance through trial, allowing you to gain experience in all stages of the judicial process. The Williston Public Defender Office is made up of a Supervising Attorney, a staff attorney, and an administrative assistant. This team will offer the support you need while building a meaningful career as a public defender.

Duties and Tasks

Responsibilities include:

• Represent clients in judicial proceedings in a competent, effective, and ethical manner.
• Provide representation for conflict cases in other jurisdictions as necessary which may require travel.
• Keep abreast of statutory and decisional law in areas of practice.
• Maintain license to practice laws and obtain required CLE credits.
• May assist with agency education and training programs and projects for public defenders and contract attorneys.
• Performs other duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Commission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
• Licensure as an attorney eligible to practice law in the State of North Dakota. We will consider applications from persons eligible for licensure, but not currently licensed in ND.
• Two years work experience in the practice of law which includes court experience. Experience related to criminal defense is preferred.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Analytical and decision-making ability.

Underfill may be considered if there are no qualified applicants. Qualifications for underfill would require a JD and eligibility for licensure in ND. Salary Range $5950-$8285.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

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Application Procedures

Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and a background and criminal investigation. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Documents to be submitted:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Anyone needing assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process please contact the Jamestown Administrative Office at 701-845-8632.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.