Public Defender's Office - Principal Attorney (Impact Litigation Attorney)

Position Description

Typical Duties

Essential Duties

Exhibits professional expertise in legal matters and confidently make decisions on complex legal issues within the requirements of the law and departmental policies;

Identifies potential impact litigation opportunities through thorough investigation, legal research, client representation, and collaboration with advocacy organizations;

Applies knowledge, skill, and expertise in applicable areas of law, keeping pace with current legislative and case law developments;

Develops and implements innovative litigation strategies to challenge unjust laws, policies, and practices that impact individual rights, the rights of our office, and community rights;

Represents clients assertively in impact litigation cases before state and federal courts, including drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and litigation to settlement or trial;

Advocates passionately for policy changes and legislative reform to address systemic issues affecting our clients, the public defender's office, and the community;

Works on cases with the potential to set legal precedents or broadly impact laws and regulations;

Stays ahead of legal developments and trends in impact litigation to inform strategic decision-making;

Collaborates with other attorneys, community organizations, and experts to build strong, compelling cases;

Provides mentorship, training, and guidance to less experienced attorneys and support staff;

Maintains meticulous and accurate case files and documentation;

Works closely with Public Defender staff, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialist, as well as community agencies to match needs of clients with resources, programs, and assistance provide holistic, client-centered representation;

Maintains strong, ongoing working relationship with clients in person, including visits in detention facilities, by phone and by mail contact;

May be called as required to represent individuals at investigative proceedings, related civil matters, and other ancillary issues; may be assigned to handle cases involving post-conviction writs of habeas corpus and/or appellate relief;

Provides effective representation to clients while managing a large caseload;

Establishes and maintains close contact with defendants by regular visits to the Correctional facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact or by letters to defendants not in custody;

Performs as trial counsel by representing defendants clients during courtroom proceedings;

Assists in departmental policy development; develops unit forms and procedures;

Prepares and presents complex reports as required;

Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions;

Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field;

Commits self to providing excellent customer services and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Other Important Duties*

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned;

May work extended hours and weekends;

May require travel throughout El Paso County;

Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment;

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Job Summary

Summary of Position

The Impact Litigation Attorney (Principal) under general supervision, will be focuses on challenging unjust laws, policies, and practices that disproportionately affect our clients, our office, and the broader community. The incumbent will work on high-impact cases, advocating for systemic change and defending the rights of individuals, the public defender's office, and marginalized communities.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Trial Team Chief, Division Chief, Senior Division Chief

Directs: This is a non-supervisory position

Other: Has contact with department heads and/or staff in order to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities, attorney’s, investigators, judiciary and court staff, law enforcement, witnesses, social work agencies, vendors, contractors, other county employees, and the general public.