PUBLIC DEFENDER

Clark County
Las Vegas, NV Full Time
POSTED ON 1/30/2024 CLOSED ON 2/19/2024

What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC DEFENDER position at Clark County?

The Public Defender's Office represents individuals accused of crimes in Clark County who cannot afford representation. Practicing in front of all of the Justice Courts in Clark County, before the 8th Judicial District Court and before the Nevada Appellate Courts, the office is dedicated to providing aggressive, quality representation and a full range of criminal litigation services.

Clark County Public Defender's Office is one of the largest law firms in the state of Nevada. The office is organized into teams. An attorney is appointed and represents the client to the conclusion of the case in Justice Court, District Court or Appellate Court.

The office has specialized teams dedicated to juvenile court, homicide cases, sexual assault cases, domestic violence cases, DUI cases, appeals, and other specialty courts.  In addition, the office has a dedicated training officer who has developed an extensive training program for new attorneys and provides continued legal education for experienced staff.  The office also has a nationally recognized litigation support department.

The Public Defender plans, organizes, directs, and manages the activities of the Clark County Public Defender's office, assuring the provision of efficient and high quality legal representation and services to clients and the public. Functioning as a Department Head, the incumbent is accountable for accomplishing department goals and objectives and for furthering County goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. This position is distinguished by the legal authority and responsibility for providing legal counsel to indigent clients and directs all activities of professional, technical and support staff required for the Office of the Public Defender.

This examination will establish an Open Competitive and Promotional list to fill current and/or future vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months or may be extended as needed by the Office of Human Resources.

NOTE:   A cover letter and resume are required for this position, in addition to the on-line application. Applicants may be invited to the selection process based on specific criteria in their resume that may include experience in providing legal counsel to indigent clients or clients involved in felonies; or prior management experience in a legal setting.

The selection process for this position will include multiple steps. Those candidates invited to interview will need to be readily available soon after the closing date of the recruitment. Education and Experience: The Public Defender shall be a qualified attorney licensed to practice in the State of Nevada.

Education & Experience: Graduation from an accredited school of law AND a minimum of seven (7) years full-time experience as a practicing attorney, including five (5) years in criminal defense. Eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Nevada.  Management experience in a legal setting desired, but not required.

Licensing and Certification: Certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Nevada.

Background Investigation: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation. Periodically after employment background investigations may be conducted.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing: Employment is contingent upon the results of a pre-employment drug examination. 
  • Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Office of the Public Defender. 
  • Directs the preparation and administration of the department's budget, assuring operation within budgetary constraints. 
  • Plans, organizes, administers, reviews and evaluates the activities of professional, technical and support staff through subordinate managers and supervisors. 
  • Through the Assistant Public Defender, directs the assignment of cases to defense attorneys and investigators; evaluation of legal complexities concerning cases and the defense of indigent defendants in court. 
  • Provides direction in the investigation and preparation of a defense in cases which the Public Defender has been appointed as counsel, including the preparation of legal reports and documents. 
  • Directs and participates in providing legal advice and counsel to clients and in negotiating cases with the Office of the District Attorney. 
  • Represents assigned indigent defendants in the more complex cases at arraignments, hearings and trials. 
  • Prepares and presents appeals to the highest courts when justified. 
  • Conducts staff meetings. 
  • Supervises the selection, training and evaluation of department personnel. 
  • Confers with members of other departments regarding County-wide operational and/or other matters concerning the Public Defender's Office; facilitates the resolution of problems and the development of policies. 
  • Monitors and interprets changes in laws and regulations related to department activities and functions; evaluates their impact on Public Defender Office and County activities and develops and implements policy and procedural changes as required.
 
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Occasionally makes presentations on behalf of juvenile defendants under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. 
  • Performs similar and related duties as required. 
  • Interprets regulations and County policies and procedures to employees; ensures effective morale, productivity and discipline of department staff. 
  • Uses standard office equipment, including a computer. 
  • May drive a personal or County motor vehicle in the course of the work.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment, and to travel to various court sites and/or other County buildings to attend court hearings, meetings, or for other business purposes; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Salary : $162,906 - $252,491

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