JOB OPPORTUNITY BULLETIN
Posting Date: May 22, 2025
Date Posting Will Close: Open until filled
Job Title: Assistant Public Defender
Location: Purvis, Lamar County, MS
Salary: Dependent upon experience
Position Summary: See Attached Job Description
This job description is not intended and should not be considered to be a complete list of all duties, skills, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be a reasonable outline of those principal job elements essential in maintaining related position. The job description is not a contract; the County reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Assistant Public Defender
SUMMARY: The position of Assistant Public Defender consists of legal work that involves representation of indigent citizens accused of committing felony and misdemeanor crimes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The work requires analyzing and interpreting statutory and case law and applying the facts to the law. It requires the ability to work well with people, efficient use of court time, and exceptional organization skills
- Review case files for those clients assigned to the attorney.
- Meet and discuss with clients as needed.
- Appear timely for docket call, motions, plea hearings and/or trial as directed in Circuit Court.
- Assist clients in obtaining drug treatment, mental health and/or other needs that may impact the resolution of their respective cases.
- Prepare documents prior to court date for presentation to the court.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of court procedures and practices;
- Knowledge of the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, Mississippi Rules of Evidence, and all other Mississippi Rules of Court and how each applies to criminal cases;
- Knowledge of Mississippi Code annotated as amended as it applies to criminal cases;
- Ability to access computer information contained in MEC, the Circuit Clerk’s criminal system and the jail;
- Ability to use various computer software programs, such as, Word, Work Perfect, etc.;
- Ability to maintain confidential information;
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
- Ability to perform legal research;
- Ability to interact effectively with employees in other units of the organization, other departments, management, outside agencies and the public;
- Ability to return calls and emails in a timely manner;
- Ability to meet in person with clients who are incarcerated prior to court dates; and
- Remain in good standing with the Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Supreme Court.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Candidate must posses a J.D. degree and a license to practice law in all state courts within the State of Mississippi. Preference is given for attorneys with jury trial experience.
| Additional Requirements: All applicants must possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and maintain licensure for the duration of this position. Additionally, the applicant must maintain all professional licensure requirements of the Mississippi Bar and all CLEs must continually be up to date. All applicants must be in good standing with the Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Supreme Court and remain in such standing for the term of employment. |
Lamar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that all employment practices are conducted in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.