The Rhode Island Public Defender is seeking an appellate attorney to represent indigent clients before the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Typical cases include appeals from felony and misdemeanor convictions, delinquency adjudications, denials of post-conviction relief, findings of probation violation, and terminations of parental rights. The assistant public defender in this role will also represent clients in other courts as needed.
This attorney will represent clients throughout the entire appellate process, including reviewing the trial record to identify important facts and legal issues; researching and analyzing legal problems; drafting persuasive motions, memoranda, briefs, and petitions; and presenting oral argument before the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Throughout this client-centered representation, appellate attorneys meet and communicate with their clients to determine viable appellate issues, review court filings, and address other concerns. The Rhode Island Public Defender, and the Appellate Division in particular, is a collaborative work environment; appellate attorneys are expected to provide support to colleagues within the office by participating in moot courts, editing filings, responding to trial emergencies, and contributing to trainings.
Applicants should hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and be admitted to the Rhode Island Bar, or be eligible for waived admission. Exceptional candidates graduating in Spring 2021 may be considered.
Applicants should possess superior research and writing skills, the ability to think creatively about legal problems, and the desire to zealously advocate on behalf of low-income clients. Although prior criminal appellate experience is not necessarily required, applicants should have knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence, as well as some familiarity with the challenges faced by indigent defendants in the criminal legal system. Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole is a strong plus.
Please send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to Elizabeth Munro, Appellate Case Manager, at [email protected]. Cover letters should be addressed to Lara Montecalvo, Public Defender. Applications must be received by March 12, 2021.