Job Title: Public Defender
Department/Agency: Office of the Public Defender (OPD)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$65,000 - $85,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: Office of the Public Defender (OPD)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Public Defender is the chief legal officer of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) in American Samoa, an independent government agency within the executive branch. The Public Defender is responsible for ensuring that indigent defendants receive competent, effective, and timely legal representation in criminal matters, including misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile offenses, and any other legal proceedings as required by law. The Public Defender ensures that the OPD adheres to the constitutional principle of the right to counsel, effectively manages the OPD’s resources, and advocates for systemic improvements in the criminal justice system. This leadership role requires extensive legal expertise, superior management skills, and a deep commitment to justice and fairness for all clients, particularly the underserved and indigent population of American Samoa.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration:
Oversee the daily operations of the Office of the Public Defender, ensuring efficient, effective, and timely legal services are provided.
Develop, implement, and enforce strategic plans, policies, and procedures that align with legal and ethical standards to fulfill the office’s mission.
Lead the office in advocating for the rights of indigent defendants, ensuring that every defendant receives competent legal representation under the law.
Represent the OPD in meetings with government officials, agencies, and the public, ensuring clear communication of the office’s needs and goals.
Staff Supervision and Development:
Supervise, mentor, and lead a team of Assistant Public Defenders, legal staff, and support personnel, fostering a culture of professional excellence and ethical conduct.
Provide ongoing professional development and training for attorneys and staff to ensure they maintain high standards of legal practice and ethical responsibility.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide regular feedback to staff to promote continuous improvement.
Case Management and Client Representation:
Ensure effective assignment of legal cases to attorneys and manage caseloads to ensure that clients receive timely and competent representation.
Directly represent clients in complex and high-profile cases, ensuring that legal strategies are developed to protect the client’s constitutional rights.
Ensure the OPD’s approach to case management is in line with best practices, efficiently addressing clients’ needs and the unique challenges posed by each case.
Fiscal and Resource Management:
Develop and manage the OPD’s budget, ensuring the allocation of sufficient resources to support legal operations, staff, and case-related expenses.
Oversee the procurement and management of legal resources, including expert witnesses, investigative services, and case-related technologies.
Ensure all financial and operational procedures are compliant with American Samoa’s laws, policies, and regulations governing the fiscal management of government entities.
Policy and Advocacy:
Engage in policy advocacy and legislative initiatives to improve the criminal justice system, with a focus on strengthening indigent defense services and ensuring equal access to justice.
Advise the Governor, legislative bodies, and other stakeholders on matters concerning public defense and criminal justice reform.
Advocate for adequate funding and resources to ensure the office's ability to meet its mandate and address the needs of indigent clients.
Compliance and Legal Oversight:
Ensure compliance with all relevant federal and territorial laws, including criminal laws, constitutional rights, and the procedures governing public defense.
Establish and maintain systems for tracking and maintaining case files, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with American Samoa’s legal and ethical standards.
Monitor and report on legal outcomes, identifying opportunities for office improvement based on case data, client feedback, and legal trends.
Public Relations and Community Engagement:
Serve as the primary public representative of the OPD, educating the community about the importance of the right to counsel and the work of the office.
Represent the OPD at public hearings, legislative forums, and media interviews, advocating for policies that enhance the fairness of the criminal justice system in American Samoa.
Engage with local communities to promote understanding of the office’s services and foster partnerships with other service providers addressing underlying social issues.
Interagency Collaboration:
Collaborate with the Judiciary, Department of Public Safety, and other law enforcement and government entities to improve the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice system.
Work closely with local non-profit organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to address the social determinants impacting indigent clients, including mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Legal Expertise:
Extensive knowledge of criminal law, juvenile law, constitutional law, and procedural law specific to American Samoa and U.S. federal law.
Strong understanding of the ethical responsibilities of attorneys in the public defense system, including confidentiality, advocacy, and client rights.
Familiarity with the criminal justice system in American Samoa and relevant federal laws, including sentencing guidelines, rehabilitation programs, and restorative justice models.
Leadership and Management Abilities:
Proven leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage a team of legal professionals and support staff, fostering an environment of teamwork and respect.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex caseloads and ensure the timely delivery of legal services.
Strong decision-making abilities, with the capability to navigate complex legal and administrative challenges while maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice.
Communication and Advocacy:
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to represent clients in court and advocate on behalf of the OPD in public forums and media interactions.
Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, particularly in plea bargaining, case settlements, and communication with law enforcement and court personnel.
Ability to effectively advocate for systemic changes and improvements in the criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens.
Technological Proficiency:
Proficiency in using legal management software, case tracking tools, and legal research databases to streamline case management and ensure accurate reporting.
Ability to maintain and manage confidential client records while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards related to information security and privacy.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Experience:
A minimum of ten (10) years of legal experience in criminal law, with at least five (5) years in public defense or criminal defense, including substantial court experience and case management.
At least three (3) years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a legal or public defense setting, with a proven ability to manage a team and drive organizational goals.
Licensing:
Admission to the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction and the ability to practice law in American Samoa, as provided under local laws recognizing reciprocal bar admission.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to travel locally to meet clients in jails, detention centers, and other locations as necessary.
A valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel within American Samoa for official duties.
Flexibility to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, when necessary to meet the needs of clients and the office.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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