Job Description

Office of the Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Posting Expires: April 14, 2026

Salary: $83,136/annually

General Description and Classification Standards:

The purpose of this position is to provide legal representation for indigent clients charged with city ordinance and misdemeanor traffic violations in the Atlanta Municipal Court. Primary duties include holistic representation that focuses both on the 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 in order 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 insure linkage to community services through county, state and federal resources and non-profit service providers. Attorneys work with clients who are incarcerated and must be able to work in a jail environment on a daily basis.
• Development of case management plans, to include identification of investigatory needs, motions and research needs, 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 on a daily basis, managing first appearance, reset cases, plea negotiations, alternative sentencing and treatment referrals, and bench trails.
• Administrative tasks include documenting case 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 are also required to track hours spent on each case.
• Attorneys must develop expert knowledge of city ordinance violations and traffic misdemeanors. A command of both 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.

• Working knowledge of criminal law and procedure 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, estates and wills, social security and other public benefits, elder law, immigration.
• Experience in fields of mental health, drug addictions, homelessness, and unemployment desired.
• Dual degrees in social work and/or social work and psychology classes/training desired.
• 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 Georgia Bar Association.

Licensures and Certifications

Georgia license to practice law is required.

Preferred Requirements

2 to 3 years of direct experience is preferred.

Trial experience (jury or bench) is preferred.

Practice area experience, in any (Criminal Law, Appeals, DUI, Code Enforcement, Probate, Real Estate, Immigration, Veteran’s Rights, Indigent Defense Research, Social Work, Mental Health Advocacy, or Homeless Rights).

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.
Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly 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.