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Chief Assistant Public Defender Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Non-competitive Adopted: 01/01/16 Amended: 9/19/17; 10/13/22 CHIEF ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves all the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Public Defender plus the added responsibilities of performing duties of the Public Defender in his or her absence and supervision of staff. Regularly conferences with the Public Defender to keep abreast of developments and confidential matters otherwise known only to the Public Defender. The work is performed under the direct supervision of all Assistant Public Defenders and support staff. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Exercises the Public Defender’s authority in his/her absence; Reviews work of attorneys to ensure procedures and laws are being followed; Monitors Assistant Public Defenders caseloads to ensure of all court appearances, hearings, trials, and grand jury presentations; Training Assistant Public Defenders to investigate criminal cases, conduct hearings, trials, grand jury presentations, gather and prepare evidence and prepare witnesses; Conducts performance evaluations of subordinate staff; Participates in interviews with potential employees, and makes recommendations for hiring; Represents and counsels defendants at every stage of proceedings following arrest; Initiates such proceedings as are necessary to protect the rights of the accused; Assists the Public Defender in the preparation of various court proceedings; Confers with defendants, law enforcement personnel, judges, and District Attorney Staff concerning individual cases; Investigates defendant’s financial status; Prepares cases for trial by responding to motions, preparing for hearings, evaluation case, plea-bargaining and discussing case with District Attorney Staff; Prepares for trial by researching law and rules of evidence, preparing trial file of evidence, reviews prospective jurors, reviews trial changes by judge and develops trial strategy; Supervises clerical staff in connection with the preparation of cases and the maintenance of appropriate records; Tries cases, including jury selection, presentment of cases, preparing opening statements and preparing closing summations; May handle post judgment motions, including receiving motions to vacate judgment, preparing response and brief and arguing motion in Superior Court; May handle appeals by preparing brief, arguing appeal in the Appellate Division and seeking permission of Court of Appeals if not a matter of right. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of criminal law and court proceedings; Good knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence; Ability to interpret and work with New York State and Federal criminal code; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ---PAGE BREAK--- Chief Assistant Public Defender Page 2 I 2 Ability to reason quickly and logically in stressful situations; Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents in order to render an accurate legal opinion; Ability to analyze and organize facts effectively; Ability to prepare for and present cases in court; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a license to practice law in the State of New York and five years in a related legal field.