Closing Date: 18th May, 2024

Description:

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applicants will be considered immediately upon submitting application materials. The position may be filled prior to the listed closing date after successful completion of the application and interview process.

The office is located in Devils Lake's charming downtown area a few short blocks from the courthouse. Devils Lake is known for its beautiful scenery and second to none fishing. Devils Lake is also coined as the “perch capitol of the world” with over 160,000 acres of water, perfect for any aquatic adventurer or fishing enthusiast. Grahams Island State Park is located on the shore of Devils Lake and provides the perfect recreation hotspot for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping. The land has as much to offer as the lake for recreation with its abundance of waterfowl and upland game perfect for any hunter or bird watcher. Devils Lake is also near two wildlife refuges.

Summary of Work:
This position is responsible for the oversight of one administrative office staff while upholding the mission of the agency "to provide high quality, professional, and effective legal representation to eligible clients, consistent with the guarantees of the constitutions of the United States and North Dakota, and applicable North Dakota statutes and rules, at reasonable cost to the community. "

Our agency is committed to a vertical representation structure. You will be handling cases from initial appearance through trial, in the Northeast Judicial District and on appeals in the North Dakota Supreme Court, allowing you to gain experience in all stages of the judicial process. The Devils Lake Public Defender Office is made up of this position and one administrative assistant to offer support while you build a meaningful career as a public defender. This position will require travel to all counties in the Northeast Judicial District and may provide conflict services in other jurisdictions.

Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents offers rewarding work and career development opportunities including:
A comprehensive benefit package including fully-paid family health insurance, an excellent retirement plan, annual and sick leave, and a variety of voluntary insurance options.

Flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities include:

Represent clients in judicial proceedings in a competent, effective and ethical manner.
Provide representation for conflict cases in other jurisdictions as necessary which may require travel.
Keep abreast of statutory and decisional law in areas of practice.
Maintain license to practice laws and obtain required CLE credits.
May assist with agency education and training programs and projects for public defenders and contract attorneys.
Performs other duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Commission.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
Licensure as an attorney eligible to practice law in the State of North Dakota. We will consider applications from persons eligible for licensure, but not currently licensed in ND.
Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Analytical and decision-making ability.