Appellate Attorney II

Full Job Description

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County residents who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. 

Job Summary
This position is responsible for providing effective representation of counsel to indigent persons in appeals from judgments in juvenile, criminal, CHINS/TPR, and civil commitment proceedings. Appointed counsel will be assigned criminal cases for clients charged with a level 6 felony and/or misdemeanor. Independent Judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies and procedures. Independent actions and judgment are exercised in making decisions that are complex in nature and have considerable impact on Public Defender Agency policy. Decisions and actions may be controlled by state and federal laws. The actions and decision-making process allow for considerable latitude in making informed judgments, quick decisions, or decisions without the benefit of consultation. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent problem-solving skills. This position reports to the Division Chief.

Requirements

• Conducts legal research and factual review of assigned cases to identify issues for appeal to the Indiana appellate courts.
• Consults with client regarding issues for appeal and maintains regular communication with client as to case developments.
• Prepares and files all motions and legal briefs necessary for effective representation of client on appeal.
• Represents client in oral arguments scheduled by Indiana appellate courts.
• Provides research support to and advises assigned trial courts team.
• Collaborates with other members of Appellate Division, including brainstorming, brief review and editing, and mooting for oral arguments.
• Assists in providing Agency with daily summaries of appellate court decisions. 
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required. Attorney shall have completed prior to appointment at least six (6) hours of training in appellate practice in a course approved by the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys. Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are required along with top level interpersonal and facilitation skills. Computer knowledge a must. Must have a valid driver’s license. Additionally, all Division attorneys must comply with all relevant Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys standards, guidelines, and requirements.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications
None.