POSITION: Deputy Public Defender
DEPARTMENT: St. Joseph County Public Defenders
WORK SCHEDULE: Tuesday plus day for trials
JOB CATEGORY: Legal
SALARY: $38,852.00/yearly
STATUS: Part-time/full benefits
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DATES: 04-01/25 until filled
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.
Incumbent serves as Deputy Public Defender
Benefits
Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
Paid Time Off (PTO) with generous accruals
Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
Gym Membership Discounts to encourage wellness
Employer-Funded PERF (Public Employees' Retirement Fund)
Access to additional voluntary benefits and resources
Responsibilities
Represents indigent persons charged with traffic and misdemeanor offenses in St. Joseph County, presenting and arguing cases before the Court.
Meets and communicates with client to discuss cases, including explaining laws, charges, and constitutional rights, and viewing plea offers and trial options. Schedules appointments with clients in office, jail, or courthouse.
Conducts factual and legal research as required to prepare for cases, including interviewing witnesses and clients, taking depositions, investigating allegations and evidence, and reviewing previous pleadings and discovery motions.
Assesses cases and negotiates plea bargains with Prosecutor when appropriate, assuring best possible conditions for client and satisfaction of their needs.
Reviews criminal discoveries, including police reports, witness statements, body camera video, and lab result. Prepares Court pleadings, including researching, writing, proofing, filing, and serving.
Qualifications
Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Good standing with license to practice law in the State of Indiana.
Must be an admitted and a member in good standing with the Indiana Supreme Court.
Education/Experience
Juris Doctorate from an accredited Law School