The Division of Public Defender Services is awaiting approval of potential funding for fifteen (15) temporary/durational Attorney positions. With legislative approval, these positions will be established as a two-year fellowship and will be assigned to the Geographical Area Courts throughout Connecticut. A funding decision will be made by the legislature in early May.
This is an exciting opportunity for recent law school graduates who will be sitting for the July 2022 Connecticut Bar exam and Attorneys interested in working in the area of indigent defense. During the two-year period, individuals will be conducting the business of the Division in Courts, will be able to take part in the extensive training programs offered to our staff and be able to apply for permanent positions with the Division.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Defends indigent clients; advises clients of rights and responsibilities; appear with and for clients at all court hearings; review, evaluate and determine legal motions, pleas and other legal action on behalf of clients; negotiate plea negotiations and other agreements with Prosecutors and Judges; assist individuals impacted by mental illness and substance abuse; order investigations and subpoenas; requests social work services; study and interpret laws, court decisions and other legal authorities; transport, quickly read, analyze and comprehend numerous files, including those related to complex cases, under tight deadlines and in crowded and noisy environment; interview witnesses; prepare briefs, motions and other legal documents; represent clients at jury or court trials; keeps up to date on developments in law practice and attends training; develops and maintains relationships with outside agencies. Perform other related duties as assigned.
SALARY
Certified Legal Interns: $26.13 per hour (Represents 75% of DAPD) (Starting Salary is currently pending legislative approval for increases for 7/2021 & 7/1/2022)
Admitted Attorneys: $72,459 (Currently pending legislative approval for increases for 7/2021 and 7/2022
During this two-year period, Fellowship Attorneys will be able to access the following State benefits:
• Health Benefits (after 60 days)
• Accrued Vacation & Sick Time
• Contribute to State Retirement Plan
Fellowship Attorneys will be encouraged to apply for permanent positions that the Division may post during the Fellowship period.
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of law, legal process, legal principles and practice; knowledge of criminal defense litigation, constitutional law post-conviction, appellate law and juvenile and child protection law; knowledge of court proceedings and practices; knowledge of legal research; knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation; knowledge of the rules of evidence; interpersonal skills oral and written communication skills; ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statues; ability to comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases;
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
General Experience: Must be admitted to the Connecticut Bar or a Law School Graduate sitting for the July 2022 administration of the Connecticut Bar and be a certified legal intern in Connecticut. Desirable candidates would have experience in criminal defense
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will submit an application package (one document PDF) to [email protected] no later than April 25, 2022, containing the following:
1. Letter of interest.
2. Current resume
3. Attorney Application Supplement or Attorney Application Supplement (Recent Graduate)
4. Employment Application for outside candidates.
5. Attorney Reference Form
All forms can be located on our website: Employment Opportunities
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