Staff Assistant
Resume:
Leslie N. Simmons
Atlanta, Georgia 30324
******.*******@*****.***
Skilled, client-focused attorney with a strong litigation background and a passion for indigent criminal defense. Strong analytical and communication skills developed over 5 years of diverse legal experience, organizing teams of experts, attorneys, and support staff for trial in criminal cases.
Qualifications
Relevant Legal Experience
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
Metro Conflict Defenders June 2014- Present
Contract Attorney
Advocate for indigent clients at every stage of criminal litigation, from first appearance to resolution or jury trial. Develop and execute defense theories for clients facing charges including Murder, Rape, Child Molestation, Kidnapping, Gang Activity, and Armed Robbery. Identify and research complex legal issues, draft motions and memoranda, conduct hearings, argue motions, direct and cross-examine witnesses. Gather information, documents, and statements on behalf of the client, including mitigation and defense information. Maintain strong client relationships throughout the litigation process by collaborating closely with clients, expert witnesses, and other attorneys to develop strong defense theories for trial.
Metro Conflict Defenders November 2012-June 2014
Legal Assistant
Organized and reviewed large volumes of discovery, including documents, interviews, videos, medical and technical records, to develop defense theories and exhibits for trial. Investigated, conducted legal research, and prepared felony jury trials. Corresponded with clients, their families, witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel to advocate for indigent clients.
Appellate Division
Volunteer April -November 2012
Reviewed trial transcripts, identified and researched issues for appeal, and drafted Motions for New Trial and Appellate Briefs. Coordinated multiple Appeals from Motion for New Trial to Final Appellate Brief stage.
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
Staff Attorney 2009- 2011
Represented indigent clients in rural areas charged with an array of offenses including traffic and gaming violations, drugs, trafficking, weapons, domestic violence, child molestation, and rape charges. Researched complex legal issues for each case. Identified, developed, and implemented defenses for each client. Maintained strong client relationships throughout the litigation process. Utilized community resources and treatment programs to develop sentencing alternatives for clients, reducing recidivism rates in some categories by up to 50 percent.
Memberships
State Bar of Georgia Admitted June 2014
Kentucky Bar Association Admitted May 2009
Education
University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law
Juris Doctorate 2008
University of Louisville
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science 2003
References
Jimmonique Rodgers
Director, Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
104 Marietta St NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Dennis C. Francis, Jr.
Director, Metro Conflict Defenders
104 Marietta St NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Crystal H. Bice
Attorney, Georgia Capitol Defenders
104 Marietta St NE, Suite 600
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Brandon Bullard
Executive Staff Attorney, Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
104 Marietta St NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georiga 30303
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