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Law Graduate - Public Defender's Office

Chautauqua County Government
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Law Graduate – Public Defender’s Office

Chautauqua County Office of the Public Defender
Location: Mayville, NY
Job Type: Full-Time – 35 hours per week
Benefits: Comprehensive Chautauqua County benefits package

Position Overview

The Chautauqua County Office of the Public Defender is accepting applications for one (1) qualified Full-Time Law Graduate to join our team in Mayville, New York.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent law school graduate who has earned a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and is eligible to take the New York State Bar Examination or has already taken the examination and is awaiting final results.

The Law Graduate performs substantive para-professional legal work in support of the Public Defender’s Office while working under the supervision of experienced attorneys. This position provides an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in legal research, case preparation, litigation support, court proceedings, and the delivery of legal services to clients.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to exercise independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities while receiving professional guidance and supervision from attorneys within the office.

Typical Job Duties

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Prepares pleadings, motions, orders, and other litigation or court documents for final review by an attorney.
  • Assists with trials and administrative hearings, including pre-trial preparation, legal research, witness preparation, and organization of pleadings, exhibits, and supporting materials.
  • Assists attorneys in court with case organization, review of testimony, legal research, and other litigation-related matters.
  • Assists with post-trial preparation, including reviewing decisions for necessary action and proposed court orders for accuracy.
  • Assists with appeals, including drafting necessary motions and conducting legal research.
  • Utilizes electronic and web-based resources to perform legal and general research, including analyzing statutes, case law, and court decisions.
  • Conducts property title searches and document searches in courts and clerk’s offices as necessary.
  • Independently develops assigned cases or files to the point of final review by an attorney.
  • Maintains assigned caseloads and ensures appropriate follow-up.
  • Files legal documents and correspondence and reviews documents filed with the courts.
  • Serves as a liaison with clients, caseworkers, courts, and other agencies.
  • Responds to requests for information and researches issues presented by other agency personnel.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and eligibility to take the New York State Bar Examination;

OR

B. Have taken the New York State Bar Examination with final examination results still pending.

Civil Service Status

This position is being filled on a provisional basis pending the outcome of a future Civil Service examination for this title. The selected candidate will be required to participate in the Civil Service examination process when the examination is announced.