ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER at State of careers Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 Mar, 26

Salary

127672.0

Posted On

24 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Criminal Law, Trial Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Legal Research, Client Consultation, Legislative Liaison, Document Preparation, Community Programs, Financial Eligibility Determination, Legal Representation, Evidentiary Hearings, Bail Hearings, Probation Violation Hearings, Pretrial Conferences, Motions, Counseling

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Department Office of the Public Defender Division Legal Salary $111,118.00 - $127,672.00 Job Profile JC-00587000-99 - Assistant Public Defender Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours CASELOAD: Caseloads may be limited in number and/or type, commensurate with skill, experience, and legislative liaison responsibilities. Assignment of particularly demanding cases may be accompanied by special assistance and/or resources. ADMINISTRATIVE: Maintaining accurate and complete files with entries made in a timely manner, and providing such reporting as may be required. Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients. Periodic preparation of documents supporting office programs and funding. Participating in public defender community programs. Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT: KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws; a thorough knowledge of trial advocacy skills; a thorough knowledge of substantive constitutional law; a thorough knowledge of the criteria for developing, implementing, and evaluating legal training programs; the ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients assigned; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through graduation from a law school of recognized standing, and such as may have been gained through employment as a practicing attorney specializing in criminal trial work in private practice or in public service, or any combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to the above. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Admission to the Rhode Island Bar. THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Opening Date December 24, 2025 Closing Date January 1, 2026 Job Requisition Number JR100322 ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER (Open) Pay Grade U00838 A Classification Assistant Public Defender Class Definition Duties and Responsibilities LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: Serve as the Legislative Liaison in a fast-paced, professional environment where you will assist with all aspects of general assembly hearing preparation. Review and highlight proposed legislation that impacts the Office of the Public Defender. Draft written testimony, attend legislative sessions and committee hearings. Draft or assist in drafting legislation, amendments, and communication regarding state legislative matters. Maintain accurate and complete records of all legislative activities each year and update all staff of pertinent legislative changes. DIRECT REPRESENTATION: To provide legal representation to indigent individuals accused of violating the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island. Representation includes all stages of legal proceedings in our state district, superior courts, and Supreme Court such as jury trials, non-jury trials, evidentiary hearings, (i.e. bail hearings, probable cause hearings, probation violation hearings, etc.), pretrial conferences, filings, arguing of motions and memoranda; it will include the conducting of legal research, client consultation (i.e. advising and counseling of client), and the provision of effective and quality representation to each individual as mandated by the Rhode Island and United States Constitutions. Supplemental Information GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To serve as legislative liaison for the Office of the Public Defender; to provide legal representation to indigent individuals accused of violating the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: For legislative activities works under the direct supervision of the Public Defender. For direct representation works under the general supervision of the Public Defender and division chief with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment; work is subject to review for conformance to established policies, rules, regulations, and provisions of law. Benefits For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/. Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee. STATE OF RHODE ISLAND JOBS The State of Rhode Island is committed to providing fundamental services to all Rhode Islanders. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of providing public service with purpose and impact. If you are a current state employee, you are required to apply through the internal jobs website. Applications for current state employees will only be accepted through the internal jobs website. Please log into your Employee Self Service portal and search "Find Jobs" to access the internal jobs website.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Public Defender will serve as a legislative liaison and provide legal representation to indigent individuals accused of violating criminal laws. Responsibilities include preparing for legislative hearings, drafting testimony, and representing clients in various legal proceedings.