Overview: Criminal Defense Attorneys zealously advocate for individuals charged with misdemeanors in Douglas County District Court. Attorneys appear in various proceedings including but not limited to first appearances, hearings, and trials in criminal court. Criminal Defense Attorneys provide comprehensive representation in collaboration with attorneys and advocates in other practice areas to avoid or mitigate any enmeshed consequences that may arise out of our clients’ contact with the criminal court system. To that end, Criminal Defense Attorneys must consistently be prepared to litigate and confidently engage in skillful negotiations with judges, prosecutors, and other actors within the systems our clients navigate.
Responsibilities:
Litigation and Legal Proceedings – 75%
Prepare thoroughly and litigate effectively in all motions, hearings, and trials.
Accurately assess potential case strategy; weigh case path options and choose the most effective course that aligns with client expectations.
Communicate effectively and persuasively in court.
Write effective legal briefs, motions, and memoranda.
Engage in regular research; maintain an elevated knowledge of the law.
Communicate with clients regularly and clearly about court dates, plea offers made by the State, and responsibilities of the client in seeking resolution, and otherwise keep clients reasonably informed about the path of their case.
Comply with all ethical rules related to the practice of law in Kansas.
Participate productively in case prep meetings, weekly stand-ups, and debriefs.
Case Management – 25%
Learn and proficiently navigate KHD’s case management system to assist with the accurate collection of various points of reportable data.
Collaborate with the defense attorney team to ensure effective coverage and care in all cases represented by KHD.
Update case files, tasks, court dates, demographic information, and outcomes regularly and promptly.
Maintain an organized file system for accurate case file tracking.
Clearly explain, support, and track the completion of tasks you have assigned to other staff members on your cases.
Practicing Holistic Defense – 100%
Meet with clients at or before first appearances, appearing at first appearances on scheduled days, and representing clients at first appearance and afterward.
Work equitably and collaboratively with investigators, client advocates, and other support staff to prepare cases and meet identified client goals.
Enthusiastically identify and help complete tasks that may not fit traditional standards of practicing law but become neces Isary to best represent a client’s case.