Job Description

Office of Public Defender

Assistant Attorney I

Posting Expires: April 14, 2026

Salary: $83,136/annually

General Description and Classification Standards:

The Public Defender Assistant Attorney provides legal representation and legal counsel to indigent clients charged in the Municipal Court of Atlanta with Misdemeanor crimes, city ordinance violations and traffic violations. Primary duties include holistic and zealous representation that focus on the defense of criminal allegations and any underlying human conditions that can drive unlawful behaviors. Attorneys work with an interdisciplinary team of advocates to identify issues such as addictions, mental illness, homelessness and unemployment to link clients with needed social services and civil/legal needs.

Supervision Received:

Attorneys work in teams supervised by a senior attorney that consults with junior attorneys and guides the development of case strategy and case management plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Thorough communications with the client, to include meetings to review facts of the case, explain the law, court process and options for addressing the case. Attorneys are required to identify all collateral consequences and inform each client of the impact. When underlying needs are identified, the attorney will ensure linkage to needed services through community resources and non-profit service providers. Attorneys work with clients who are incarcerated and must be able to work in a jail environment daily.
• Development of case defense strategies and case analysis, to include identification of investigation requests, pre-trial motions and research, collateral legal and personal consequences and linkage to social services. The attorney is required to work within the interdisciplinary team, collaborating with investigators, social workers and client advocates to achieve zealous and comprehensive representation for all clients.
• Attorneys represent clients in court daily, managing first appearance dockets, continued reset cases, plea negotiations, alternative sentencing and treatment referrals, and bench trials.
• Administrative tasks include documenting client’s case files and client case management files and maintaining a master calendar that reflects court dates and status of all cases assigned. Attorneys are required to provide daily docket details to data entry support staff for electronic case management and workload tracking.
• Attorneys must develop expert knowledge of city ordinance violations and traffic misdemeanors. A command of subject matters must be demonstrated within six months of employment.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of Criminal law and Criminal Procedure practice as demonstrated by education and experience.
• Excellent oral advocacy skills required.
• Excellent research and writing skills required.
• Experience with the following civil practice areas a plus: family law, real estate, estate and wills, social security and other public benefits, elder law, immigration, eviction defense.
• Experience in advocacy or representation of individuals encountering mental health disease, drug addiction, and homelessness.
• Dual degrees in social work welcomed.
• Spanish speaking skills a plus.
• Ability to manage heavy client caseload in a demanding and challenging courtroom and jail environment.
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
• Capable of working under stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail, tight deadlines and advocacy in the courtroom.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience -

Juris Doctorate required. Must be a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Licensures and Certifications –

One to three 3 years of direct experience is preferred.

Preferred Requirements –

Georgia license to practice law is required.

Work Environment:

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements:

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.