Defense Counsel

Basic Purpose

Provide legal representation in non-capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, in all phases of assigned cases.

Typical Functions

• Performs case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. This includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
• Communicate with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgement proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation
• Communicate with client’s friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information
• Conduct independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence and potential sentences
• Collect and maintain evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws
• Prepare for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client’s input; securing assistance from experts; and formulating a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation
• Conduct ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions
• Prepare for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable.
• Preserve legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds.
• Serve as Co-Counsel as assigned
• Provide consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff
• Perform administrative duties when asked
• Supervise lower-level attorneys and other legal staff and perform assigned supervisory duties

Level Descriptor

This is the specialist level of the job family employees are primarily responsible for performing all aspects of non-capital cases from basic to complex. They provide research, writing, and oral advocacy support as dictated by the needs of the case and as directed. Incumbents will be responsible for all phases of the delivery of lead-counsel legal representation in the assigned cases. At this level, provides guidance to lower-level staff and attorneys or legal functions within the office.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of applicable state and federal statutes related to non-capital cases; Constitutional law and the Oklahoma Constitution; applicable regulations; agency policies and procedures; principles of administrative law; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing; and supervisory practices and principles.

Skills required include critical thinking; conducting legal research; written and oral communication; attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making.

Abilities required include presenting statements of fact and law; clearly and logically articulate position in written and oral form; analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; direct and/or perform independent and difficult research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems; represent the agency in a professional manner; train lower-level employees; supervise lower level legal staff and attorneys; and works with minimal oversight.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consists of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, three (3) years of criminal litigation experience and five (5) years of criminal trial experience, a license to practice law in State of Oklahoma, and membership in Oklahoma Bar Association.

Special Requirements

Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $68,700.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,700