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Washington County Board of Commissioners is soliciting bids for a Public Defender for State Court. Detailed information is attached to this bid announcement at: Sealed bids should be delivered to: Washington County Board of Commissioners. P.O. Box 271, 119 Jones St. Sandersville. GA 31082. Attention of Derick Durden, County Administrator. Bids will be opened on August 20, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the Board of Commissioners Office. General Information • Court : 132 W Haynes St, Sandersville. GA 31082 • Approximate number of cases currently : 3-5 per month • Please include your compensation proposal. Minimum Qualifications: • Juris Doctorate Degree required from an accredited law school: Have training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job. • Must be member of the State Bar of Georgia. • Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • 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. • 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. • Provide quality legal counsel and represent clients in court as required, 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. ---PAGE BREAK--- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Working knowledge of criminal law and procedure as demonstrated by education and experience. • Excellent oral advocacy skills required. • Excellent research and writing skills required. • Have an understanding of the following civil practice areas would be a plus: family law, real estate, estates and wills, social security and other public benefits, elder law, immigration. • Having an understanding in fields of mental health, drug addictions, homelessness and unemployment is desired. • Ability to manage 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 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.