Counseling Attorney
City of Indianapolis
FreshPosted Jan 14
Recent Listing
Posted: January 5, 2026 (10 days ago)
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Attorney I - PDA
City of Indianapolis
Marion County Public Defender's Agency
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
Salary
From $76,000
per year
Type
Full Time
More Legal jobs →Closes
January 20, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This entry-level attorney position at the Marion County Public Defender's Agency involves representing low-income clients in court for misdemeanor cases, juvenile matters, civil commitments, and appeals, ensuring they get fair legal defense when they can't afford a private lawyer.
The role requires quick thinking, independent decision-making, and handling complex cases under time pressure.
It's a good fit for new lawyers passionate about public service, criminal justice, and helping vulnerable people navigate the legal system.
Key Requirements
- Active license to practice law in Indiana
- Experience or strong interest in criminal defense, juvenile law, or appellate work
- Ability to appear in court and provide effective representation in misdemeanor, juvenile, civil contempt, and CHINS proceedings
- Skills in conducting legal and factual case reviews, pretrial motions, and depositions
- Proficiency in client consultations, witness interviews, and expert collaborations
- Capability to negotiate with opposing counsel, including plea agreements and litigation
- Exercise of independent judgment in complex decisions guided by state and federal laws
Full Job Description
Agency Summary
The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens 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
Position is responsible for providing effective representation of counsel to indigent persons charged with the equivalent of misdemeanors in either juvenile, misdemeanor, or appellate courts, or facing civil contempt, or CHINSproceedings.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. Position reports to Division Chief.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.
Requirements
Appears in court to provide effective representation of counsel to indigent persons in civil contempt proceedings, CHINS Proceeding, mental health court or persons charged with committing misdemeanor criminal offenses in adult, juvenile or appellate courts
Conducts legal and factual review of the case; evaluates the legal and factual evidence for, or against, the client; engages in pretrial motion practice; and takes and defends depositions
Consults with client, interviews witnesses and consults with medical, forensic, DNA or other experts as needed to effectively represent client
Consults with opposing counsel to negotiate case disposition to include plea agreements and other disposition, including litigating case to the court or trying to jury
Communicates with clients through regular methods to include telephone conversations, in person interviews, and jail consultations
Reviews and updates court files; keeps client and families updated on case progress
Delegates assignments to paralegal I and investigators, as appropriate
Collaborates with social workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives
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. 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 Public Defender Commission standards, guidelines, and requirements.Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes