Public Defender Resume Samples

The Public Defender is a legal professional who provides legal representation for those who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Major roles and responsibilities described on the Public Defender Resume include some or all of the following – representing indigent clients in criminal proceedings, preparing legal documents such as motions and briefs, and Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce sentences or charges. In addition, public defenders also work on gathering evidence and investigating cases to build a defense.

To ensure success in this field, the following skills are needed – the ability to effectively advocate for clients, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, experience with trial strategy and courtroom procedure, Understanding of the criminal justice system, and knowledge of legal principles and criminal law. As far as education is concerned, Public Defenders must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and must pass a state-administered bar exam in order to become a licensed attorneys.

 

Looking for drafting your winning cover letter? See our sample Public Defender Cover Letter.
Public Defender Resume example

Public Defender Resume

Headline : As a Public Defender, represented individuals subject to any criminal complaint filed in the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court. Worked with Chief Prosecutor's Office to resolve criminal cases by deferred prosecution for treatment, counseling, family therapy, or other options, or plea agreement or trial or sentencing and/or appeal. Resolved matters in an ethical and professional manner.

Skills : Legal Knowledge, Communication.

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Description :

  1. Handled a variety of cases, including misdemeanor, juvenile, youthful offender, or appellate cases.
  2. Assisted higher-level Attorneys with complex cases Attended sentencing and negotiated plea bargains.
  3. Advised and counseled clients regarding case strategy and possible outcomes.
  4. Worked under the direction, guidance, and supervision of more experienced colleagues and supervisor/manager.
  5. Conducted plea bargaining, when appropriate, with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
  6. Attended seminars, trained classes, and reviewed current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
  7. Drafted/reviewed, proposed, and prepared reports and legal documents Served subpoenas, and locate and obtain various records all under the supervision of higher-level investigators or investigative supervisors.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Executive
Education
Education
Juris Doctorate


Public Defender Resume

Summary : As a Public Defender, Provided legal counsel and criminal defense to individuals charged with Murder, all levels and classes of felonies and misdemeanors, and violations of probation. Provided legal counsel and defense for juvenile offenders in delinquency cases, as well as for children and parents in CHINS and Termination of Parental Rights cases.

Skills : Empathy and Compassion.

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Description :

  1. Represented individuals in criminal court for all matters filed against them.
  2. Conducted legal research and compose motions and pleas on behalf of the defendants.
  3. Created forms for eligibility of representation, conflicts, and any other document needed to represent individuals in criminal court.  
  4. Worked with the Tribe on any issues involving code development. 
  5. Assisted Chief Judge in the development of the court rules of criminal procedure. 
  6. Worked with the Wellness Court Team to help admit potential individuals into that program.
  7. Adhered to the Professional and Ethical Rules of Responsibility and Conducted investigations into narcotics relate to multiple homicides and contract killings as well as other high-profile homicide investigations.
Years of Experience
Experience
7-10 Years
Experience Level
Level
Consultant
Education
Education
Juris Doctorate


Public Defender Resume

Headline : As a Public Defender, Served as court appointed advocate for children to evaluate their living situation to protect the best interest of the children while preserving families whenever possible, child's teachers, day care provider, therapist, youth leader, tutor, mentor and/or any other service provider and significant activity leader); maintained a caseload; met with parents to evaluate their living situation and the effectiveness of the services provided toward the reunification process; met and evaluated appropriateness of interested relatives in regard to possible alternative placement for the children.

Skills : Time Management, Research, Interpersonal.

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Description :

  1. Advocated for indigent clients in assigned cases at every stage of the criminal justice system at a trainee level. 
  2. Appeared and advocated in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trials, sentencings, and other court hearings. 
  3. Negotiated plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions of assigned cases with prosecuting attorneys. 
  4. Investigated facts and prepared defense for assigned cases to determine the merits of cases and appropriate course of action. 
  5. Interviewed, conferred, and advised clients on the merits of the appropriate course of action, including seeking a dismissal, plea, or trial. Located and interviewed witnesses. 
  6. Conducted discovery, including depositions and Planned case strategy and prepared for trial.
  7. Handled pretrial discovery, withdrawal pleas, suppression motions, and appeals.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Executive
Education
Education
Juris Doctorate

Public Defender Resume

Summary : As a Public Defender, represented clients at their preliminary hearings in Magisterial District Courts and Juvenile clients in all proceedings within the Juvenile Justice System. Represented clients in miscellaneous matters in the Court of Common Pleas and in appellate and post-conviction matters as may be assigned.

Skills : Research, Criminal Law.

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Description :

  1. Maintained appropriate communication with the client about the status of the case and answers client questions. 
  2. Directly worked with investigators on consistent, internal office policies Prepared legal documentation, and represented clients in court.
  3. Identified potential legal issues to advance the client's case, researched applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs. 
  4. Prepared by typing and printing various legal documents, including written arraignments, written guilty pleas, motions, briefs, letters, and other documents. 
  5. Maintained client case files, prepares public defender time reports to the court, and closes files consistent with office policies.
  6. Represented clients in their Juvenile Court proceedings and Gathered information prior to preliminary hearings.
  7. Collected information via subpoenas and face-to-face interviews to verify evidence or substantiate innocence for clients.
Years of Experience
Experience
7-10 Years
Experience Level
Level
Management
Education
Education
Juris Doctorate

Public Defender Resume

Summary : As a Public Defender, developed procedures; supervised staff; evaluated total legal assistance performance; developed and maintained department budget; made recommendations for disposition of indigent cases; approved expenditures on the defense of individual cases; served on various criminal justice committees; assisted judges in policy decisions.

Skills : Writing, Defending.

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Description :

  1. Interviewed clients and witnesses Performed legal research and Represented clients in preliminary hearings and Addressed bail status.
  2. Evaluated strengths and weaknesses of clients defenses to the governments charges.
  3. Counseled clients and assisted with applications to diversionary programs and treatment courts.
  4. Resolved cases at the preliminary hearing level or negotiate a reduction of charges.
  5. Worked closely with clients, providing and discussing information, strategies, and developments.
  6. Arranged for bail to be set and bonds to be posted and Wrote motions, pleadings, and legal arguments.
  7. Reviewed and analyzed medical records, permanency evaluations, interrogatories, and transcripts.
Years of Experience
Experience
7-10 Years
Experience Level
Level
Management
Education
Education
Juris Doctorate

Public Defender Resume

Headline : As Public Defender, being Experienced in criminal defense or civil cases handled by the Public Defender is desired but is not required. Experienced as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience. Experienced as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.

Skills : Case Management, Critical Thinking.

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Description :

  1. Prepared full and adequate reports of clients' preliminary hearings, with recommendations for trial attorneys.
  2. Assisted in the formulation of placement options and Prepared correspondence and legal documents.
  3. Communicated and/or negotiated with Assistant District Attorneys, Adult Probation Officers, Juvenile Probation Officers, and other relevant departments and agencies, Litigate before, Magisterial District Judges, Common Pleas Judges, Juvenile Masters, Juvenile Court Judges, and the Appellate Courts.
  4. Established priorities and multi-task and Researched applicable case law and cite cases.
  5. Developed relationships with the local, state, and federal Public Defenders and Prosecutors' offices and where necessary, other Tribal Prosecutors and Public Defenders.
  6. Drafted sentencing recommendations for homicide convictions.
  7. Supervised several teams of investigators, paralegals, and support staff in preparation for litigation.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Executive
Education
Education
Juris Doctorate

Public Defender Resume

Summary : As a Public Defender, Worked with clients experiencing mental illness, drug addiction, trauma, or other issues. Worked with psychiatrists and other medical treatment personnel. Utilized an electronic case management system to maintain accurate and current client files.

Skills : Planning, Developmental Skills.

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Description :

  1. Interviewed clients as assigned to determine the facts of the case. 
  2. Reviewed discovery materials to evaluate each case in order to engage in the development of case strategy and trial preparation or resolution, including plea negotiation.
  3. Met with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed of the status of their cases and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. 
  4. Explained to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.
  5. Appeared in court to represent the assigned client at all stages of the proceedings. Covered general dockets, including but not limited to first appearance and arraignment.
  6. Personally investigated cases and/or obtain and directed investigators in the investigation of cases, engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare and argue pre-trial motions as needed, and conduct bench and jury trials, and any necessary subsequent hearings.
  7. Coordinated and arranged tests for physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses.
  8. Prioritized and planned cases and worked activities while using resources efficiently.
                        Years of Experience
                        Experience
                        7-10 Years
                        Experience Level
                        Level
                        Management
                        Education
                        Education
                        Juris Doctorate

                        Public Defender Intern Resume

                        Summary : As a Public Defender Intern, maintained communication with clients in person in the office, by meeting with clients at the jail, by phone, by e-mail, or by mail throughout the course of the representation to keep their clients informed regarding the status of their case.

                        Skills : Legal Research, Critical Thinking.

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                        Description :

                        1. Represented individuals in criminal dockets, and acted on a rotating basis to provide 24-hour access to counsel to individuals under arrest and/or investigation for DUI or other alleged criminal activity.
                        2. Cooperated with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents.
                        3. Performed other duties or projects as assigned, including attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Public Defender Office.
                        4. Completed seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related to their public defense practice.
                        5. Communicated clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
                        6. Reviewed relevant facts and creates a defense strategy, which may include conducting research, preparing motions, briefs, and memoranda, and conferring with relevant county departments and outside agencies.
                        7. Conducted all trial actions including a selection of the jury in criminal matters outside of juvenile court and involuntary treatment proceedings, cross and directed examination of witnesses, the introduction of evidence and exhibits, and making arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
                        Years of Experience
                        Experience
                        7-10 Years
                        Experience Level
                        Level
                        Management
                        Education
                        Education
                        Juris Doctorate

                        Public Defender Resume

                        Summary : As a Public Defender, Communicated effectively with clients to obtain information that is relevant to the defense of their case, which may include obtaining information that is relevant to the issue of release from confinement or a reduction of bail; to determine the client's goals of the litigation; to discuss possible defenses and trial strategy; and to provide legal information and advice.

                        Skills : Communicational Skills, Advising.

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                        Description :

                        1. Conferred with and advised clients Appeared at court hearings and Applied legal principles to determinations on individual cases and problems.
                        2. Produced written documents with clearly organized thoughts and Performed self-directed research and analysis as required for effective defense.
                        3. Handled a large volume of work Represented clients at trial and Provided legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients.
                        4. Achieved not-guilty verdicts in DUI, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and battery trials.
                        5. Researched, filed, and presented all types of pretrial motions, trial motions, writs, and appeals.
                        6. Performed all aspects of criminal defense litigation, including felony preliminary hearings, and felony and misdemeanor jury trials.
                        7. Engaged witnesses on direct and cross-examination and Represented clients during criminal investigative proceedings.
                                                                  Years of Experience
                                                                  Experience
                                                                  7-10 Years
                                                                  Experience Level
                                                                  Level
                                                                  Management
                                                                  Education
                                                                  Education
                                                                  Juris Doctorate

                                                                  Public Defender Resume

                                                                  Summary : As a Public Defender, provided a defense to indigent persons in Grant County Superior Court, District Court, and the Juvenile Division of Superior Court. Independently handled a caseload and provide effective assistance to those entitled to counsel at public expense in Grant County. Complied with performance guidelines and the WSBA Standards of Public Defense.

                                                                  Skills : Client Assistant, Written Skills.

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                                                                  Description :

                                                                  1. Developed and maintained effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, the courts, employees of other departments, and the public.
                                                                  2. Developed and maintained effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, the courts, employees of other departments, and the public.
                                                                  3. Built relationships and solicited the cooperation and Applied legal principles to determinations on individual cases and problems.
                                                                  4. Produced written documents with clearly organized thoughts Handled a large volume of work and Acted with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
                                                                  5. Prepared a defense, conducted legal research, gathered facts, and interviewed the client and witnesses.
                                                                  6. Presented felony DWI cases to the grand jury for indictment.
                                                                  7. Handled some appeals and post-sentencing issues: violations of probation, protective order mod.
                                                                          Years of Experience
                                                                          Experience
                                                                          7-10 Years
                                                                          Experience Level
                                                                          Level
                                                                          Management
                                                                          Education
                                                                          Education
                                                                          Juris Doctorate