Description:

General Description:
Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? The Wyoming State Public Defender's Office in Laramie (with a satellite office in Rawlins) is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. Our attorneys fight for justice, develop their trial skills, and work alongside experienced mentors in a collaborative and supportive environment. Are you passionate about protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring justice for all? Join our team as a Criminal Defense Attorney, where you will provide dedicated legal representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges.

Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender's Office?

Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career.
Mission-Driven Work: Make a real impact by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Our positions qualify for PSLF, helping you manage student debt while pursuing meaningful work.
Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders who are committed to mentoring and supporting new attorneys.
Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming's incredible outdoor recreation.
Live and Work in Laramie, Wyoming with the opportunity to live and work in Rawlins, Wyoming with the satellite office there as part of the Second Judicial District.
Find “History and Adventure” in Laramie – a city that offers access to Snowy Range Ski Area and Scenic Byway, Vedauwoo, fishing, mountain biking, the Wyoming Territorial Prison, and Lincoln and Ames Monuments. The beautiful Curt Gowdy State Park is a quick 25 miles to the east and offers camping, boating and fishing. Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming and “Cowboy Joe.” Rawlins offers a quaint living environment with access to small shops, restaurants and other casual eateries and is home to the Wyoming State Penitentiary offering employment options for family members of interested applicants. Additionally, living in Rawlins or Laramie includes the benefit of Wyoming being one of nine states with no state income tax.

Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew / 307-777-7667 / samantha.drew2@wyo.gov

Essential Functions: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

Client Representation: Defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals.
Case Preparation: Conduct legal research, draft motions, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case.
Negotiation & Advocacy: Engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors, ensuring outcomes align with clients' best interests.
Investigation: Work with investigators, expert witnesses, and other resources to gather evidence and build a strong defense.
Caseload Management: Handle a diverse caseload, ensuring timely case progression and compliance with court deadlines.
Mentorship & Development: Provide guidance to junior attorneys or legal interns as needed, fostering professional growth within the office.
Continuing Education: Stay current on changes in criminal law and public defense best practices through ongoing legal education and professional development

Qualifications:
Preferences/**Agency Requirements:
While preference may be given to applicants who are currently licensed to practice law in Wyoming, recent law school graduates and those awaiting bar exam results are strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge:

Ability to manage multiple cases/tasks, manage time, and prioritize tasks.
Knowledge of trial and hearing procedure and rules of evidence - must have the ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Knowledge of criminal statutes, court procedures, and legal research methods.
Skilled in managing a caseload and responding quickly to changing priorities.
Knowledge of substantive and procedural laws in criminal justice, including state, federal, and administrative law.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

Juris Doctorate

Necessary Special Requirements:
Physical Working Conditions:

Travel required - as necessary by the caseload demands and is required in this jurisdiction between Laramie and Rawlins as the Second Judicial District spans both Albany and Carbon counties.

Notes:

FLSA: Exempt
This is an At-Will Position

Supplemental Information:
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.