Deputy State Appellate Public Defender

State of Idaho Opportunity

Deputy State Appellate Public Defender

Appellate Unit/Capital Litigation Unit

Idaho State Appellate Public Defender (SAPD)

Boise, Idaho

Full-time (40 hours)

$43.27 - $52.88 hourly ($90,000 - $110,000 annually)

The State Appellate Public Defender (SAPD) is a law office which provides appellate and post-conviction representation to indigent defendants pursuant to Idaho Code § 19-5905.

The SAPD's Appellate Unit (AU) represents indigent clients in non-death penalty cases, including juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases, and post-conviction proceedings arising out of those cases. The AU's role is limited to appeals before the Idaho Court of Appeals and/or the Idaho Supreme Court. The Capital Litigation Unit (CLU) represents indigent clients convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The CLU represents clients in post-conviction proceedings in the trial courts, and in appeals before the Idaho Supreme Court.

The SAPD offers deeply meaningful work. Our attorneys, who are among the most experienced and highly skilled appellate and death penalty attorneys in Idaho, work tirelessly to preserve the Constitutional protections that Americans have traditionally held so dear. At the same time, they have the distinct pleasure of representing some of Idaho's most vulnerable, underserved, and disadvantaged citizens. We recognize and celebrate the humanity of each client by treating them with dignity and respect while giving them a voice in a legal system that can otherwise make them feel unheard and powerless. Many clients have told us that we were the first people in their lives to listen to them, tell their stories, and fight for them. We are proud to do so.

The Office of the State Appellate Public Defender seeks an attorney to start in the AU, and potentially transition to the CLU, depending on the CLU caseload.

SCOPE OF WORK

A Deputy State Appellate Public Defender in the Appellate Unit represents indigent clients in juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and post-conviction appeals before the Idaho Court of Appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Communicating effectively with, and competently advising, clients whose cases are pending on appeal;
• Carefully reviewing trial court records and fully evaluating potential issues for appeal;
• Conducting thorough legal research;
• Drafting clear, concise appellate motions and briefs;
• Delivering persuasive oral arguments before the Idaho Court of Appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court; and
• Traveling to the Idaho Supreme Court, correctional institutions, and other locations within the State of Idaho to attend court hearings and oral arguments, and to visit incarcerated clients.

A Deputy State Appellate Public Defender in the Capital Litigation Unit participates in the collaborative team representation of capital clients. Each team is composed of a lead attorney, at least one deputy attorney, a fact investigator, a mitigation specialist, and an administrative assistant. The team represents indigent capital clients throughout the post-conviction proceedings in district court. If post-conviction proceedings are unsuccessful, the team represents the client in a unified direct/post-conviction appeal.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining healthy, productive client relationships characterized by mutual trust and good communication;
• Reviewing voluminous trial court records, discovery materials, and prior counsel's files;
• Working collaboratively with other team members to develop cohesive post-conviction strategies;
• Participating in and helping to direct mitigation and fact investigations;
• Assisting in the identification and drafting of appellate and post-conviction claims;
• Identifying, vetting, and working with expert and lay witnesses;
• Conducting evidentiary hearings in Idaho's trial courts and presenting oral arguments in the Idaho Supreme Court; and
• Traveling to courts, correctional institutions, and other locations within and outside the State of Idaho to attend court hearings and/or oral arguments, visit incarcerated clients, and conduct investigations.

Depending on the desire and qualifications of the applicant, the applicant may also be a candidate to fulfill the role of Lead Attorney, which would entail the oversight, management, and direction of team representation on any given case.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO:

• Are committed to providing client-centered representation;
• Have empathy and compassion for all clients, including those convicted of the most serious offenses, and are dedicated to advocacy on their behalf;
• Are comfortable working with individuals (including clients, their families, prosecutors, investigators, judges, experts, fact witnesses, and members of the public) from diverse backgrounds and having diverse perspectives on capital defense issues;
• Can work effectively with other team members;
• Have excellent research, writing, and communication skills;
• Are detail-oriented and able to exercise sound professional judgment;
• Have trial and appellate experience;
• Have familiarity with civil procedure and the post-conviction process;
• Can manage an active caseload of multiple capital cases in various stages of proceedings; and
• When applicable, are committed to following the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases and the Supplementary Guidelines for the Mitigation Function of Defense Teams in Death Penalty Cases, as the minimum standard for quality representation.

WHY JOIN THE SAPD?

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, the SAPD offers its employees excellent benefits, including generous leave policies and sufficient flexibility for employees to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Below are some of the benefits:

• Nation's leading public employee pension plan - PERSI
• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Eleven paid holidays
• Paid vacation leave
• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible work schedules and a partial telework opportunity
• 401K and deferred compensation plan
• Life/Disability/Supplemental life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• Paid annual renewal fees for Idaho State Bar

The State of Idaho offers a robust compensation package. For a summary of benefits click here.

The State Appellate Public Defender is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

WHY BOISE, IDAHO?

Boise, Idaho consistently ranks high in quality of life and offers a balance of urban amenities and outdoor activities. The city has a vibrant culture with music festivals and a growing food scene. Recreational opportunities such as fly-fishing, biking, skiing, kayaking, and hiking are all nearby. The Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile-long path along the Boise River, is a favorite for walking, running and biking. Known for its friendly and welcoming community, Boise is a great place to start a new chapter in life.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?

If you are ready to join the team, please submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume with references, and (3) two writing samples. Applicants whose law school graduation is within three years of the application must also submit copies of their law school transcripts (unofficial transcripts will be accepted). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To accept this position, you must:

• Possess a J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Be admitted, or seeking admission, to the Idaho State Bar.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
• Be able to travel within and outside the State of Idaho.

For inquires about this position, please contact Elizabeth Todd, Office Administrator, at (208) 334-2712 or elizabeth.todd@sapd.idaho.gov.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Discrimination based on veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws, is prohibited.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.