Managing Public Defender-Conflict

State of Montana•Great Falls, VA

About The Position

This position oversees and manages all public defender services within assigned regions of the Conflict Defender Office. The Managing Attorney performs a variety of difficult and complex criminal defense, administrative, liaison, and supervisory duties. Duties include determining whether or not a conflict exists within a referred case and assigning the cases appropriately, Establishing to ensure prompt counsel, ensures that public defender assignments within the Conflict Public Defender Office comply with comply with the provisions of MCA 47-1-202. This position Implements the standards and procedures established by the Conflict Defender Division Administrator and the Office of the State Public Defender within the Conflict Defender Offices. Additionally, this position maintains a client caseload as determined by the Conflict Defender Division Administrator. Responsibilities include handling all phases of multi-forum litigation for indigent clients in a variety of typical to more complex and high-profile cases. Position is also responsible for providing mentoring to the developing Public Defenders in their representation of indigent clients as described in the Montana Public Defender Act. Duties include researching and preparing a legal defense based on the facts, investigations, and legal research and keeping clients informed and prepared for all stages of representation including various hearings, proceedings and/or trials depending on the type of case to ensure clients are actively and efficiently represented. The Managing Attorney reports to the Conflict Defender Division Administrator, hires and manages public defenders and support staff, oversees contract services and performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
Membership in the State Bar of Montana
Able to energize and provide strong leadership.
Able to provide a balanced approach to providing public defender services by balancing the needs of the client with the limited resources available to the division.
Able to implement agency and division policies based on short and long-term strategic planning goals, management concepts and practices.
Able to recognize, analyze and solve complex management problems.
Able to assess hypothetical situations and impacts; consolidate a unified strategy in response to numerous issues and concerns; make proper and timely decisions in stressful situations.
Able to direct a complex organization through effective planning, delegation and leadership.
Able to accept the direction of the Director in carrying out policy.
Able to gain respect and manage and utilize the skills of staff.
Able to provide supervision and organizational direction and to demonstrate extensive knowledge of change, personnel, and budget management.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication, negotiation, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Possess strong relationship-building skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across diverse groups and to build trust and credibility in working relationships.
Demonstrated commitment to the state and the mission of the public defender system.
Extensive knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, terminology and systems; state and federal laws, rules and regulations; and public defense.
Knowledge and experience in public administration, public relations, government organization, lobbying, state budgeting, and legislative processes.

Nice To Haves

Ideal candidate will have at least five years of progressively responsible management experience including supervision of professional and support staff, budgeting, organizational and operational functions; and practical experience in law preferably in litigation of criminal and civil law involving public defense actions.