The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is a state agency responsible for implementing the Indigent Defense Act by providing trial, appellate and post-conviction criminal defense services to persons who have been judicially determined to be entitled to legal counsel.
OIDS is currently seeking an Appellate Defense Counsel in our Homicide Direct Appeals Division, Norman office. The Homicide Direct Appeals Division (HDA) is appointed by state district courts in Oklahoma to represent indigent clients convicted of all forms of homicide, including capital murder, on direct appeal to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. HDA also represents death-sentenced clients on certiorari petitions to the United States Supreme Court and at remanded evidentiary hearings in the district courts as ordered by the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Basic Purpose
Attorney job duties include the management of all aspects of the direct appeal case including consulting with the client; reading and digesting the trial record; developing and implementing case theory and strategy; identifying legal issues; performing extensive research and analysis; drafting legal briefs and pleadings; devising and conducting extra-record investigations as necessary; identification, selection, and preparation of expert witnesses as necessary; and, when ordered, appearing at evidentiary hearings at the district court level or oral argument before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.
Level Descriptor
Positions may be filled at Levels I - VII, depending on candidate experience.
Education and Experience
Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree and active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma or eligibility for admission by motion. No prior criminal appellate experience is required for this position although knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, and evidence is required. Training and experience in the defense of capital cases and death penalty litigation is preferred. Experience in dealing with mental health issues is also desirable. Applicants with backgrounds in social work, social science, counseling, psychology, education, journalism, forensics, criminal investigation, or law enforcement are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
The ability to work as part of a team is required, as are exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants must be willing and able to travel throughout the State of Oklahoma and occasionally out of state.
Applicants should possess a desire to work in public interest law and advocate on behalf of indigent clients.
Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to argue effectively and persuasively in both written and oral form.
Applicants must be highly motivated and well-organized with the ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
Benefit Highlights
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include:
Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service
Method of Application
Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.
All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers – https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/okgovjobs).
Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/okgov/login.htmld. After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.
The ability to work as part of a team is required, as are exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants must be willing and able to travel throughout the State of Oklahoma and occasionally out of state.
Applicants should possess a desire to work in public interest law and advocate on behalf of indigent clients.
Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to argue effectively and persuasively in both written and oral form.
Applicants must be highly motivated and well-organized with the ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.