Human Resources

Assistant Public Defender 1st

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER 1ST

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Assistant Public Defender 1st carries out assignments given him/her by the Public Defender or the Court, relative to the responsibilities and obligations of the Public Defender’s Office, under County Law.  Acts as head of department in absence of the Public Defender.  Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Researches, drafts, and presents oral arguments of pre-trial motions;
Drafts correspondence to all Genesee County Village and Town Justices, Batavia
City Court and Genesee County Court, Genesee County District Attorney
and Assistant Genesee County District Attorney;
Researches, drafts, and presents oral arguments of legal memoranda;
Participates in trials, jury and non-jury of felony, misdemeanor and/or violation offenses;
Assist Public Defender in training and overseeing other Assistant Public Defenders;
Oversees department in the absence of Public Defender;
Participates in formation of departmental policies;
Participates in administrative interaction with other departments and agencies.

The above examples of duties are 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 criminal law applicable to State and Federal criminal laws; comprehensive knowledge of criminal court procedures and of the rules of evidence; a high degree of skill in the preparation of briefs, and in the presentation of a defense before a jury; ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts, and precedent to legal problems.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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 and hear and occasionally walk.  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 moderately quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited Law School.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT:Admission to the Bar of the State of New York.

Non-Competitive Class