Capital Counsel

Capital Counsel

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree
• Active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission
• Knowledge of Oklahoma procedures and laws related to the sentencing phase of capital cases
• Knowledge of the American Bar Association’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (1989)
• Ability to advocate on behalf of clients in capital cases
• Ability to prepare legal documents through post-judgment proceedings
• Ability to meet timelines and keep clients informed on case matters
• Skills in critical thinking, conducting legal research, written and oral communication, and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and decision making

Responsibilities

• Performs case management activities until the case is concluded or reassigned
• Communicates with client on all aspects of the case according to agency policy and standards
• Communicates with client’s friends and family to obtain pertinent information
• Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence and penalty phase of the capital case
• Prepares for trial by filing pretrial motions and developing plea negotiation strategies
• Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing of argument on motions
• Prepares for jury selection by considering legal challenges and developing questions
• Preserves legal error for appellate review on all applicable grounds
• Prepares for sentencing phase by applying Oklahoma procedures and law related to capital sentencing
• Prepares for post-judgment proceedings by discussing with client and taking appropriate action
• Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned
• Provides consultation, advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys and staff
• Performs administrative duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.