Human Resources

Assistant Public Defender

GENESEE COUNTY

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  An Assistant Public Defender carries out assignments given him by the Public Defender, relative to the responsibilities and obligations of the Public Defender's office as set forth in the County Law.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Maintain and manage a significant caseload of clients;

Appear with defendants on a regular basis in the various criminal courts in Genesee County;

Research, draft, and orally argue motions and other legal matters;

Written and oral communication with all the county Village and Town Courts, Batavia City Court, County Court, District Attorney’s office and any other offices when necessary in representing defendants;

Represent defendants in trials of felony, misdemeanor and/or violation offenses;

Meet with clients in custody and maintain communication with them and, when appropriate, their families;

The above example of duties is intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of New York’s criminal statutes and those law relevant to criminal charges lodged against a defendant; comprehensive knowledge of criminal court procedures and of the rules of evidence; a high degree of skill in the preparation of motion, briefs, letters, etc.; the presentation of a defense before a Judge or jury; ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts, and precedent to legal problems.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to talk, walk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the New York Bar.

Non-Competitive