JENNIFER LARSON
Norwalk,Iowa
Summary
Effective criminal defense attorney with 26-year track record of zealously advocating for clients in court, extensive trial experience and preparation of legal strategies in both public and private firms. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, opposing counsel, jurors and judges. Committed to mentoring new lawyers and passionate about public service.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
First Assistant Public Defender
Office Of The State Public Defender
2004.01 - Current
- Assigned to felony trial docket at Des Moines Adult Public Defender's Office.
- First-chaired over 25 first degree murder cases.
- Tried over 75 jury and bench trials for all classes of felony and misdemeanor offenses.
- Zealously advocated for clients involving all classes of felony and misdemeanor offenses.
- Achieved successful case outcomes by developing strong legal strategies and effectively representing clients in court.
- Managed administrative issues and daily operations in office when supervising attorney is away.
- Successfully handled high caseloads efficiently by prioritizing tasks and working diligently to meet deadlines.
- Participated in developing State Public Defender 3-day training.
- Taught at State Public Defender 3-day training regularly since 2014.
- Presented information regarding criminal defense issues as part of CLE seminars.
- Received cases from other attorneys due to difficult-to-handle clients.
- Mentored less experienced attorneys, fostering professional growth and increasing their effectiveness in the courtroom.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified relevant issues for clients in a manner that effectively explained strengths and weaknesses of their case.
- Possess superior knowledge of penal consequences for advising clients on potential outcomes and options.
- Negotiated favorable plea agreements for clients by presenting persuasive arguments to the prosecution.
- Successfully litigated pre-trial motions of various issues.
- Maintained client relationships by maintaining open communication channels and providing regular updates on case progress.
- Collaborated with coworkers to share knowledge and resources, enhancing overall team performance.
- Conducted depositions, investigations and other forms of discovery involving al types of witnesses, law enforcement, lab technicians and forensic experts.
- Organized and analyzed complex discovery in a variety of cases.
- Experienced in working with psychologists, psychiatrists relating to mental health issues.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology in courtroom.
Associate Attorney
Parrish, Kruidenier, Moss, & Dunn, L.L.P.
1997.09 - 2004.01
- Zealously advocated for clients involving all classes of felony and misdemeanor offenses.
- Represented clients in civil cases in United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.
- Prepared and argued appellate briefs to Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and Iowa Appellate Courts.
- Knowledgeable in all aspects of pretrial motions, discovery and investigation.
- Drafted briefs, memorandums and pleadings in criminal and civil litigation.
- Experienced in deposing law enforcement, lab technicians and forensic experts.
- Represented clients in over twenty counties around the State of Iowa.
- Successfully litigated forfeiture proceedings.
- Engaged in and resolved case through Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Represented employees and employers in state and federal lawsuits involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, negligence, breach of contract, wage disputes, employee termination and employee discipline.
- Oversaw and supervised work of secretaries, paralegals and associate attorneys.
Education
J.D. -
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Corporate Finance
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa05.1994
Skills
- EDMS
- Iowa Courts Online
- Efficient legal researcher
- Persuasive Legal writer
- Courtroom Presence
- Trial preparation
- PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat
- Westlaw/Lexis
Teaching Experience
- Prosecution and Defense class, Drake Law School, Invited speaker, 2018-present
- State Public Defender 3-day training program, Instructor and program developer, 2010- present
- NITA Iowa Outreach Program, Instructor, 2005 & 2006
Publications
Law Review Note: Viatical Settlements: An Explanation of the Process, an Analysis of State Regulations, and an Examination of Viatical Settlements as Securities, Drake L. Rev., 46, 923, 1998
Timeline
First Assistant Public Defender
Office Of The State Public Defender
2004.01 - Current
Associate Attorney
Parrish, Kruidenier, Moss, & Dunn, L.L.P.
1997.09 - 2004.01
J.D. -
Drake University
Bachelor of Science - Corporate Finance
Drake University
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