Attorney IV Problem Solving - Internal Applicants Only

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

Position is responsible for providing effective representation of counsel to indigent persons charged with level 1-5 offenses including sex offenses or murder, or the equivalent charges in problem solving criminal courts as well as probate, civil commitment, civil contempt, child support Title IV-D and contested adoptions in civil courts. Independent Judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies and procedures. Independent actions and judgment are exercised in making decisions that are complex in nature and have considerable impact on Public Defender Agency policy. Decisions and actions may be controlled by state and federal laws. The actions and decision-making process allow for considerable latitude in making informed judgments, quick decisions, or decisions without the benefit of consultation. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent problem-solving skills. Position reports to Division Chief Counsel.

Agency Summary  

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County. 

Key Responsibilities

• Appears in court to provide effective representation of counsel to indigent persons charged with committing Major Felony criminal offenses or indigent persons as a party to civil actions including probate, civil commitment, civil contempt, child support Title IV-D and contested adoptions. 
• Conducts legal and factual review of the case; evaluates the legal and factual evidence for, or against, the client; engages in pretrial motion practice; and takes and defends depositions.
• Consults with client, interviews witnesses and consults with medical, forensic, DNA or other experts as needed to effectively represent client.
• Consults with opposing counsel to negotiate case disposition to include plea agreements and other disposition, including litigating case to the court or trying to jury.
• Communicates with clients through regular methods to include telephone conversations, in person interviews, and jail consultations.
• Reviews and updates court files; keeps client and families updated on case progress.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals as appropriate
• Collaborates with social workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives.
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law and either 3 years of litigation experience in the Problem Solving division or 3 years of criminal litigation experience and experience litigating 3 Level 5 or Class C felony juries or higher to completion as lead or co-counsel.  Provides litigation assistance and training on Problem Solving programs and client eligibility to the Agency.  Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are required along with top level interpersonal and facilitation skills. Computer knowledge a must. Must have a valid driver’s license. Additionally, all Division attorneys must comply with all relevant Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys standards, guidelines, and requirements.

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. 

Physical Conditions

1. Sitting at a desk the majority of the day
2. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds.
3. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation.
4. Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals.
5. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.