ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK IS ACCEPTING RESUMES FROM QUALIFIED PERSONS FOR THE POSITION OF PUBLIC DEFENDER
Located in the Hudson Valley region of New York, Ulster County is a short drive to both New York City and Albany. It is geographically the size of Rhode Island with approximately 188,000 residents. The county seat is Kingston, which was the first capital of New York. Ulster County is also the home of Woodstock, NY which has a vibrant art and music community. Locals enjoy the many breweries and cider houses as well the many hiking trails and other outdoor activities such as farmers’ markets and craft fairs.
The County currently employs approximately 1300 full time employees and has a 2020 budget of more than $340 million dollars.
The Office of the Public Defender shall provide quality representation, by order of the court and without charge, to each indigent defendant who is charged with a crime in the county as well as such clients in family and surrogate court proceedings pursuant to State laws, or any person entitled to counsel pursuant to article six-C of the Correction Law. When representing an indigent client, the Office of the Public Defender counsels and represents him/her at every stage of the proceedings and may initiate proceedings as in his/her judgment are necessary to protect the rights of the accused. The work is performed under guidelines provided by law. Examples of responsibility include:
·        Oversees all aspects of the Office of the Public Defender;
·        Appoints and supervises approximately 25 professional, technical and clerical staff to assist in defending clients;
·        Manages the budget of the office including all Federal, State and local revenue sources;
·        Maintains records and prepares reports;
 A successful candidate must have significant experience as a practicing attorney in the State of New York with a strong background in criminal law practice and a preference for family law practice background as well. Candidates should also possess demonstrated management experience.
The incumbent must be an Ulster County resident following confirmation.
COMPENSATION: Competitive
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The public defender shall represent, without charge, by order of the court, each indigent defendant who is charged with a crime as defined in section seven hundred twenty-two A of the county law in Ulster County.  When representing an indigent defendant, the public defender counsels and represents him/her at every stage of the proceedings following arrest and initiates such proceedings as in his/her judgment are necessary to protect the rights of the accused.  The work is performed under guidelines provided by law.  Does related work as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal law as applicable to state and federal law; comprehensive knowledge of criminal court procedures and the rules of evidence; a high degree of skill in the preparation of briefs; skill in the presentation of a defense before a jury; ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems; ability to demonstrate integrity and a commitment to quality representation of public defense clients; ability to communicate effectively and to establish a rapport with indigent defendants; initiative; tact; good judgment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Attorney licensed in the State of New York who possesses administrative and leadership experience in the representation of criminal defendants and/or adults in family law.
Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice Services or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.
ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.