{"id":20283,"date":"2026-05-28T18:08:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T18:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/job\/lead-attorney\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T11:42:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T15:42:32","slug":"lead-attorney","status":"publish","type":"ch_job","link":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/job\/lead-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"Lead Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sarpy County<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lead Attorney: Public Defender’s Office<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

SALARY<\/p>\n

$59.82 – $69.45 Hourly<\/p>\n

LOCATION<\/p>\n

1210 Golden Gate Drive, Papillion, NE<\/p>\n

JOB TYPE<\/p>\n

Full-Time<\/p>\n

JOB NUMBER<\/p>\n

01306<\/p>\n

DEPARTMENT<\/p>\n

Public Defender’s Office<\/p>\n

OPENING DATE<\/p>\n

05\/27\/2026<\/p>\n

CLOSING DATE<\/p>\n

6\/3\/2026 11:59 PM Central<\/p>\n

JOB OVERVIEW<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

GENERAL PURPOSE
Provides professional legal representation to defendants within the County by safeguarding constitutional rights and delivering competent and ethical advocacy in criminal proceedings. With regular attendance, this position represents clients at all stages of the judicial process in accordance with state and federal law, court rules, and the policies and standards of the Public Defender\u2019s Office.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None<\/p>\n

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
\u2022Provide effective, competent legal defense for court appointed clients, from first appearance to final disposition.
\u2022Meet with clients regularly to explain rights and legal process, gather case details, develop goals and defense strategy, perform witness prep, and maintain effective attorney-client relationship.
\u2022Conduct depositions and meet with witnesses to prep for court hearings.
\u2022Prepare for and attend all court hearings, including bond settings, detention hearings, preliminary hearings, motion hearings, bench trials, jury trials and sentencing.
\u2022Formulate defense strategy based on the evidence and client\u2019s goals.
\u2022Review discovery supplied by the prosecutor and identify other discovery items that must be produced to assess client\u2019s defense.
\u2022Conduct investigations to obtain additional evidence to support client\u2019s defense and make \u201ccrime scene\u201d visits as necessary.
\u2022Perform legal research and stay updated on state and federal law, including case law, rules of evidence, criminal code, criminal procedure and the civil commitment act.
\u2022Draft pleadings, motions, briefs and other correspondence to advocate for client\u2019s defense and desired outcome.
\u2022Demonstrate a working knowledge of diversion services, problem solving courts, and the referral process for clients to obtain evaluations and admission to treatment programs.
\u2022Perform plea bargaining and settlement negotiations with the prosecutor on client\u2019s behalf.
\u2022Appeal client convictions and sentences to the higher courts by identifying legal errors, drafting persuasive briefs, and preparing oral argument.
\u2022Maintain consistent office hours to meet with clients in-person, by phone or in the jail.
\u2022Manage a caseload of misdemeanor, juvenile and\/or felony cases (all levels) as assigned by the Chief Deputy or Elected Official.
\u2022Serve as a coordinating role in assigned court (juvenile, county, district, problem-solving or appeals), as determined by the Chief Deputy and Elected Official.
\u2022Serve as point of contact for other departments and facilitate daily operations of court as directed by Chief Deputy and Elected Official.
\u2022Assist and consult with other public defender attorneys in assigned court and perform second chair duties as needed.
\u2022Coordinate hearing coverage for other public defender attorneys in assigned court.
\u2022Demonstrate an ability and willingness to lead, train, coordinate, offer opinions and problem-solve as required.
\u2022Perform other duties as assigned.<\/p>\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
\u2022Graduate of an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
\u2022Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Nebraska.
\u2022Must be a member in good standing with the Nebraska Bar Association.
\u2022Have and maintain a valid Driver\u2019s License, as well as meet eligibility requirements of\u201cacceptable driving standards\u201d as defined by the County.
\u00a0<\/p>\n

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
\u2022Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse individuals.
\u2022Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
\u2022Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite and other software related to datamanagement, communication, and other common business processes.
\u2022Ability to follow established policies and procedures for confidentiality while adapting toevolving privacy standards and technologies.
\u2022Ability to build and maintain positive relationships within a team.
\u2022Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidenceapplicable to state and county courts.
\u2022Experience with courtroom practices, trial procedures, sentencing guidelines, andappellate processes.
\u2022Knowledge of legal research methods, case law analysis, and statutory interpretation.
\u2022Skill in conducting legal research, drafting motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legaldocuments.
\u2022Skill in managing a high-volume caseload while meeting court deadlines and maintainquality representation.
\u2022Experience with interviewing clients, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and otherstakeholders and experts to develop effective defense strategies.
\u2022Ability to analyze legal issues, evaluate evidence, and apply legal principles to individualcases.
\u2022Ability to adapt to changing laws, court procedures, and caseload demands within a publicdefense environment.<\/p>\n

Employer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sarpy County<\/p>\n

Address<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

1210 Golden Gate Drive<\/p>\n

Papillion, Nebraska, 68046<\/p>\n

Phone<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

402-593-4465
402-593-4487<\/p>\n

Website<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.sarpy.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Lead Attorney: Public Defender’s Office Supplemental Questionnaire<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are you able to meet the physical demands and work environment requirements of this job with or without accommodation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without accommodation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Have you graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are you licensed to practice law in Nebraska<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Are you requesting Veterans Preference as stipulated in Nebraska Statutes \u00a7 48-225 to 48-231? Such preference includes initial employment or a return to employment with the State of Nebraska or its governmental subdivisions if termination of previous employment was for other than disciplinary reasons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 6<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you answer yes to claiming Veteran’s Preference, you must attach to your application, before submission, a copy of your DD214 including page 4 identifying your character of service (and IF disabled, verification of disability from the VA), OR if you are a spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, you must attach a copy of your spouse’s DD214, showing character of service, a copy of the veteran’s disability verification from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs demonstrating a 100% permanent disability rating, and proof of marriage to the veteran; OR if you are a spouse of an active service member, you must attach a copy of your spouse’s active service orders and proof of marriage to the active service member. All documents must be attached prior to submission of application. Did you attach all required documentation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0N\/A – does not apply<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

QUESTION 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

DRIVING: Do you have a valid Driver’s License?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

*QUESTION 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

DRIVING: This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. Please read below for Sarpy County’s Acceptable Driving Standards: Do you have any of the following: a) Three or more ‘at fault’ accidents in the last 3 years; or b) Five or more moving violations in the last 3 years; or c) Any combination of ‘at fault accidents or moving violations totaling five or more in the last 3 years. d) A DUI\/DWI conviction within the last 5 years along with a history of at fault accidents and\/or moving violations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yes<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0No<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

* Required Question<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_ch_employer_id":"18064","_ch_external_id":"11083766","_ch_location_state":"","_ch_location_city":"","_ch_is_ocr_job":"","_ch_expiration_date":"2026-06-28","_ch_apply_link":"https:\/\/monmouth.joinhandshake.com\/jobs\/11083766\/share_preview"},"ch_stakeholder":[],"ch_class_year":[],"ch_job_category":[86],"ch_career_skill":[],"ch_industry":[59],"class_list":["post-20283","ch_job","type-ch_job","status-publish","hentry","ch_job_category-full-time","ch_industry-government-law-enforcement-public-policy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_job\/20283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_job"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ch_job"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"ch_stakeholder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_stakeholder?post=20283"},{"taxonomy":"ch_class_year","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_class_year?post=20283"},{"taxonomy":"ch_job_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_job_category?post=20283"},{"taxonomy":"ch_career_skill","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_career_skill?post=20283"},{"taxonomy":"ch_industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/career-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ch_industry?post=20283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}