Assistant Public Defender
Company: City of Atlanta
Location: Atlanta
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
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. Qualifications 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.
Keywords: City of Atlanta, Warner Robins , Assistant Public Defender, Legal , Atlanta, Georgia
