JOB LOCATION
Public Defender 14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563
City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?
Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
Diverse community
Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Hiring salary for this position is $158,164.00 - $197,706.00 - $247,133.08 annually.
All applications must include a Writing Sample, Resume, five (5) References and Cover Letter. Any applications received without these items will not be reviewed.
Under the direction of the Public Defender's Commission, manages the Public Defender's Office by leading the department to provide professional legal counsel to and defend indigent clients in cases brought before the Municipal Court; establishes management practices and processes that ensure effective performance standards and handles complex municipal ordinance cases.
This position is not a Career Service position; employee works at the pleasure of Public Defender's Commission and has no Career Service rights.
-Directs the City's Public Defender's Office, its team of Deputy Public Defenders and staff and the administration needs of the department
-Supervises the partnership with the City and drives the overall goals and initiatives between the two entities
-Manages the strategic development of the City's Public Defender's Office in conjunction with the Public Defender's Commission, including budget, resources, workloads, salaries, and personnel
-Manages oversight for the implementation of operational goals, policies, and directives for the department
-Lead the Public Defender's Office in its operations, legal services, and relationships with City, Commission, and Court and criminal legal system public policy
-Provides mentorship and guidance to the team of Deputy Public Defenders
-Establishes and promotes a positive, productive relationship with the Court and prosecution
-Accomplishes Office objectives by developing strategic goals, policies, and workload standards for the department
-Represents and defends indigent defendants in cases brought before the municipal court charged with municipal ordinance violations
-Examines evidence, reviews, prepares, and presents cases
-Counsel clients on legal rights and responsibilities
-Initiates and defends appeals in appellate courts, when appropriate
-Ensures public defender coverage for multiple courtrooms, including problem-solving and treatment courts
-Works on numerous trials and hearings, client interviews, motions, and/or appeals
-Reviews attorney and staff work product to ensure sound legal advice, representation, and that accurate and sufficient documentation is provided in accordance with the requirements of Federal, State, and local laws
-Supervises the development of solutions to organizational and operations problems, responsible for organizational management (development, staffing, and conflict) and allocating resources
-Oversees the supervision of career development for the entire Office of Public Defenders
-Directs and manages the departmental budget
-Participates in City/County relations, City/State relations and City/Federal relations
-Responds to City Council requests, participates in City Council Committees, workshops, special sessions and represents the Department to all organizations within and outside of the city
-Represents the Public Defender's Office in meetings with elected and/or appointed officials and other city entities
-Provides reports and information to the Public Defender's Commission, as requested
-Supervise and lead direct reports, this includes but is not limited to making recommendations regarding selection, hiring, training, evaluating and disciplining of assigned employees
-Performs other related duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado
Experience:
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the active practice of law, with a substantial practice in public defense
Minimum of five (5) years of supervisor/administrative experience
Applicants must have no grievances resolved against them by any state Attorney regulation board
Must have extensive trial experience
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado or must complete the licensure in Colorado within six (6) months of hire date
Knowledge:
Demonstrated knowledge of the American Bar Association 10 Principals of Public Defense and the National Association for Public Defense Foundational Principals and the Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation
Practices and procedures related to criminal courtroom proceedings and the interplay of immigration law
Case preparation and presentation; application of laws of the State of Colorado and ordinances and court rules of the City of Aurora
Legal terminology
Trial practice and tactics
Appellate procedures
Be knowledgeable of the current status of the law through legal education so as to carry out primary duties and responsibilities of the department
Skills:
Strong interpersonal and managerial skills
Skill in the use of windows-based programs
Strong customer service skills
Skill in customer relations, crisis communications management, public speaking and media relations
Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors
Firm representation of the office with agencies within and throughout the City of Aurora
Abilities:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Work independently
Make oral presentations
Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce
Administer budgets
Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
Essential Personnel:
When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel
Physical Demands::
Light work that involves moving no more than 20 pounds at a time
Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
Eye/hand coordination to operate a computer system
Speech communication, and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
Infrequent pushing, pulling, bending and stooping
Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
Work Environment:
Works primarily in an indoor office and/or public courtroom area setting
Equipment Used:
Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases
This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.
Please submit your application at:
https://auroragov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Careers/job/Municipal-Just...
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