The Coordinating Attorney represents indigent criminal defendants throughout all stages of court proceedings, from arraignment through final disposition of the case. The Coordinating Attorney also oversees client representation by the office’s Assistant Public Defenders. Supervision is exercised over attorneys in all aspects of the legal process, with a focus on felony-level casework. The Coordinating Attorney is supervised by the Department Head and the First Assistant Public Defender, with wide leeway permitted for the exercise of independent judgment.
SALARY: Annual salary range of $96,936 – $113,616. Rate to be determined on basis of candidate’s qualifications and breadth of experience.
BENEFITS: 12 paid holidays, sick time, personal days, 2 weeks vacation to start, NYS pension plan (vests in 5 years), full coverage healthcare, option for deferred compensation plan.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(a) Licensed to practice law in the State of New York; and
(b) Five (5) years of full-time paid experience as a licensed attorney practicing criminal law in the State of New York.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: Candidate must be a resident of Warren County or a contiguous county at the time of appointment.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
• Carries felony-level caseload in County Court, counseling clients and representing them at court appearances, performing all necessary motion work, conducting preliminary hearings, engaging in plea negotiations, preparing for trial, and conducting jury trials;
• Oversees Assistant Public Defenders at every stage of proceedings following arrest, by providing strategic advice, aiding in legal research, guiding motion work, and supervising or second-chairing hearings and trial work;
• Assists the Public Defender in preparing for a variety of court proceedings, as well as in drafting court filings;
• Confers with defendants, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, judges, and members of the District Attorney’s Office concerning individual cases;
• Prepares for trials by researching applicable law and rules of evidence, preparing trial folder/notebook, reviewing potential jurors, assessing trial charges proposed by the Court, requesting jury charges as necessary, drafting motions in limine, and preparing client and witnesses for trial;
• Supervises support staff in preparing cases for trial by segregating and maintaining specific evidence for courtroom presentation;
• Tries cases in County Court, beginning with conducting voir dire and selecting a jury, delivering opening statement, presenting defendant’s case after the People rest, questioning of witnesses on direct as well as cross examination, and delivering closing statements/summation;
• Drafting and filing of Notice of Appeals and post-judgment motions as necessary; and
• May conduct appellate work by preparing briefs, compiling records, obtaining transcripts, and performing oral argument at the Appellate Division. |