Position Description The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.
OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Defense Counsel in our Non-Capital Trial Division, Guymon office.
Basic Purpose
Provide legal representation in non-capital cases, within the bounds and forums provided by law, in all phases of assigned cases.
Defense Counsel represent indigent individuals in state court at the trial level in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, traffic and wildlife cases; Counsel is also responsible for providing clients with competent legal advice and zealous advocacy at every phase of the criminal trial process.
Typical Functions
Performs case management activities, this includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
Communicates with client on all aspects of the case, including plea negotiations and post-judgement proceedings, according to agency policy and standards to ensure client can make informed decisions regarding legal representation
Communicates with client’s friends and family to obtain pertinent information without disclosing privileged communication or confidential information
Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence and potential sentences
Collects and maintains evidence acquired through the investigation per established standards and laws
Prepares for trial by filing pretrial motions; develop plea negotiation strategy based on jurisdictional practices and policies and with client’s input; securing assistance from experts; and formulating a defense theory based on information produced through the investigation
Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions
Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges to selection procedure and developing questions and challenges to determine if the potential juror is suitable
Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds
Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned
Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff
Performs administrative duties when asked
Level Descriptor
Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.
Salary Commensurate With Qualifications And Agency Salary Schedule. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of applicable state and federal laws; applicable regulations for non-capital trials; constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution; agency policies and procedures; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; methods and techniques for conducting legal research and writing.
Skills required include critical thinking; conducting legal research; written and oral communication; Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; attention to detail; sound judgment and decision making.
Abilities required include presenting statements of fact and law; clearly and logically articulate position in written and oral form; analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; direct and/or perform independent and difficult research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems; conduct legal research on Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, the Oklahoma State Court Network, and printed or internet-based legal resources; meet timelines while following the Oklahoma statutes; and represent the agency in a professional manner.
Education and Experience
Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
Special Requirements
Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct
Benefit Highlights
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include:
Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service
Method of Application
Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.
All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers –
Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.