The Georgia Public Defender Council’s Office of the Mental Health Advocate (OMHA) Division located in the Atlanta Central Office, is seeking an Assistant Public Defender IV to provide statewide representation for individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) and Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST). Responsibilities include extensive statewide travel, court appearances, client visits to mental health hospitals, consultation with attorneys, seminar development, committee participation, collaboration with partner agencies, and assistance with appellate matters. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to indigent defense and advocacy for individuals with mental illness. Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia is required.
Interested applicants should apply on Team Georgia Careers and submit a cover letter and resume to Sabrina Rhinehart, Office of the Mental Health Advocate, at srhinehart@gapubdef.org.
Description of Duties: The Assistant Public Defender IV position in the Office of Mental Health, manages a complex caseload, conducts extensive legal research, and prepares and presents cases in courts throughout Georgia to ensure clients receive effective representation at every stage of the legal process. Responsibilities include representing clients in commitment, release, and other mental health-related proceedings; traveling statewide for court appearances and client visits at mental health facilities as well as consulting with attorneys on mental health and competency issues. The Assistant Public Defender IV may also supervise and mentor subordinate staff, provide guidance on case management and litigation strategies, and serve as a resource to attorneys handling complex mental health cases. This position requires the ability to advocate effectively in serious, legally complex, and high-profile matters while maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility. Performs other related duties as assigned.
