KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws; a thorough knowledge of the problems inherent in the criminal justice field; the ability to act as advisor and/or counselor to clients assigned; the ability to meet and deal effectively with officials of the State, Court, or local prosecution; the ability to conduct special research projects; the ability to prepare detailed factual reports; and related capacities and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
EDUCATION: Such as may have been gained through graduation from a law school of recognized standing, and
EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through employment as a practicing attorney or previous experience in a responsible position in a related field.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: A J.D. from an accredited law school; admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission.
Job Requisition NumberJR103411 STAFF ATTORNEY II (Open Date: 07/01/2026)Pay GradeU00830 AClassificationStaff Attorney IIClass DefinitionMaintaining accurate and complete files with entries made in a timely manner, and providing such reporting as may be required. Current and thorough knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other resources for clients. Participating in periodic evaluations. Periodic preparation of documents supporting office programs and funding. Participating in public defender training and community programs. Intake interviews and financial eligibility determinations as required.
Advise and represent the legal interests of assigned clients pertaining to the technical and legal aspects in the relevant legal specialty.
Represent clients at a variety of court proceedings, including but not limited to hearings, conferences, oral arguments, and trials.
Provide legal assistance to inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions, Training School, any federal penitentiary, or any state prison requesting assistance from the Office of the Public Defender for the purpose of resolving pending criminal charges.
Provide technical and legal assistance to any other assistant public defender as required.
Prepare detailed reports and recommendations.
Respond to requests for technical and/or legal advice as assigned by supervisor(s).
Remain knowledgeable about federal and state law, as relevant to the legal specialty practiced.
Prepare briefs for memorandum and/or argument.
Prepare legal research necessary to conduct a criminal trial or hearing.
Related work as required.
Supplemental InformationRepresentation of indigent defendants and respondents in all cases assigned. Representation may include, depending upon the area of specialty, intake processing, collection of background information concerning the client and offense, interviewing clients and witnesses, case investigation, preparation for court proceedings, legal research and writing, and any other representation functions. Representation also includes maintaining frequent contact and a good working relationship with client, and thorough knowledge of up-to-date and relevant law and procedure.BenefitsFor information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.
Skills Required
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Admission to the Rhode Island Bar, or eligibility for waived admission
- Experience as a practicing attorney or previous responsible legal experience
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and criminal justice field
- Ability to represent clients at hearings, conferences, oral arguments, and trials
- Legal research and writing skills; ability to prepare briefs, memoranda, and trial materials
- Ability to conduct client interviews, case investigation, and prepare detailed factual reports
- Knowledge of corrections and community treatment programs and other client resources
What We Do
The State of Rhode Island is the official government entity responsible for the administration, governance, and delivery of public services to the citizens and residents of the state of Rhode Island.
