JOB LOCATION

Public Defender 14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring salary for this position is $158,164.00 – $197,706.00 – $247,133.08 annually.

All applications must include a Writing Sample, Resume, five (5) References and Cover Letter. Any applications received without these items will not be reviewed.

Under the direction of the Public Defender’s Commission, manages the Public Defender’s Office by leading the department to provide professional legal counsel to and defend indigent clients in cases brought before the Municipal Court; establishes management practices and processes that ensure effective performance standards and handles complex municipal ordinance cases.

This position is not a Career Service position; employee works at the pleasure of Public Defender’s Commission and has no Career Service rights.

• Directs the City’s Public Defender’s Office, its team of Deputy Public Defenders and staff and the administration needs of the department
• Supervises the partnership with the City and drives the overall goals and initiatives between the two entities
• Manages the strategic development of the City’s Public Defender’s Office in conjunction with the Public Defender’s Commission, including budget, resources, workloads, salaries, and personnel
• Manages oversight for the implementation of operational goals, policies, and directives for the department
• Lead the Public Defender’s Office in its operations, legal services, and relationships with City, Commission, and Court and criminal legal system public policy
• Provides mentorship and guidance to the team of Deputy Public Defenders
• Establishes and promotes a positive, productive relationship with the Court and prosecution
• Accomplishes Office objectives by developing strategic goals, policies, and workload standards for the department
• Represents and defends indigent defendants in cases brought before the municipal court charged with municipal ordinance violations
• Examines evidence, reviews, prepares, and presents cases
• Counsel clients on legal rights and responsibilities
• Initiates and defends appeals in appellate courts, when appropriate
• Ensures public defender coverage for multiple courtrooms, including problem-solving and treatment courts
• Works on numerous trials and hearings, client interviews, motions, and/or appeals
• Reviews attorney and staff work product to ensure sound legal advice, representation, and that accurate and sufficient documentation is provided in accordance with the requirements of Federal, State, and local laws
• Supervises the development of solutions to organizational and operations problems, responsible for organizational management (development, staffing, and conflict) and allocating resources
• Oversees the supervision of career development for the entire Office of Public Defenders
• Directs and manages the departmental budget
• Participates in City/County relations, City/State relations and City/Federal relations
• Responds to City Council requests, participates in City Council Committees, workshops, special sessions and represents the Department to all organizations within and outside of the city
• Represents the Public Defender’s Office in meetings with elected and/or appointed officials and other city entities
• Provides reports and information to the Public Defender’s Commission, as requested
• Supervise and lead direct reports, this includes but is not limited to making recommendations regarding selection, hiring, training, evaluating and disciplining of assigned employees
• Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education: 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado

Experience: 

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the active practice of law, with a substantial practice in public defense
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisor/administrative experience
• Applicants must have no grievances resolved against them by any state Attorney regulation board
• Must have extensive trial experience

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado or must complete the licensure in Colorado within six (6) months of hire date

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