26-004 Public Defender

The City of Commerce, Georgia, is seeking a qualified attorney to serve as the Public Defender for the Commerce Municipal Court through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for indigent defense services. The selected attorney will provide comprehensive legal representation for indigent criminal defendants charged under city ordinances, handling cases from court appointment through trial, sentencing, post-conviction review, and appeals. Minimum qualifications include a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, Georgia bar membership, and at least 5 years of legal practice. The contract is for a two-year term, with potential reappointment at the City Council's discretion. Court sessions are held monthly on the first Tuesday at 8 am and 1:00 pm, with the Public Defender compensated via a flat monthly fee. Evaluation criteria will focus on demonstrated competence, experience, expertise of personnel, and conformance with RFP terms. Proposals are due by September 15, 2025, and must be submitted to the City Clerk's office, including a comprehensive package with a resume, cover letter, qualifications, State Bar numbers, references, and a release for disciplinary investigation review.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The opportunity appears to be open to individual attorneys meeting the specified qualifications. The contractor must maintain professional liability coverage and provide monthly reports to the City Clerk detailing client information. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the attorney will be required to be available to meet with defendants in custody and handle all aspects of indigent defense for municipal court cases. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the compensation will be structured as a flat monthly fee for the two-year contract term. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate substantial legal experience and a comprehensive understanding of municipal court proceedings and indigent defense requirements.