Attorney - Defense Counsel (Okmulgee)

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in our Non-Capital Trial Division, Okmulgee office.

Basic Purpose
Defense Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process.

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

Communicates 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

Communicates with client’s friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information

Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence and potential sentences

Collects and maintains evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws

Prepares 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

Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions

Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable

Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds

Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned

Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff

Performs administrative duties when asked

Level Descriptor
Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.

Education and Experience
Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.

Level I: < 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
Level II: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience.
Level III: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience.
Level IV: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience.
Level V: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience.
Level VI: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience.
Benefit Highlights
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include:

Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service
Method of Application
Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.

All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers – https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/okgovjobs).
Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/okgov/login.htmld. After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.