This position provides a unique opportunity to lead the Office of the State Public Defender’s (OSPD's) non-capital appellate program through mentorship, legal training, and strategic guidance. As the Non-Capital Appellate Director, you will help cultivate a culture of excellence, strengthen appellate advocacy, and empower attorneys and caseworkers to provide exceptional representation to clients across California.
Under the supervision of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Non-Capital Appellate Director is responsible for the leadership, supervision, and strategic development of OSPD’s Non-Capital Appellate Program. Primary responsibilities include:
Providing comprehensive legal supervision of all non-capital appellate cases, including direct supervision of an Attorney IV, hands-on mentoring and development of assigned attorneys, and final review of all non-capital appellate briefs.
Designing and implementing a strategic plan for the Non-Capital Appellate Program, managing case selection, resource allocation, and caseload balance in consultation with OSPD leadership, and overseeing program structure and attorney progression toward capital qualification.
Building and maintaining relationships with appellate projects and partner agencies to identify cases appropriate for OSPD representation and coordinating comprehensive training in appellate advocacy, legal research, and writing, and post-conviction practice.
Contributing expertise to other OSPD projects and assuming direct client representation as agency needs require.
Legal Expertise
Advanced knowledge of California criminal appellate law and procedure, including issues identification, record analysis, constitutional claims, and post-conviction remedies.
Mastery of rules of evidence and court procedures in California and federal trial and appellate courts, including the duties and powers of the State Public Defender.
Experience independently managing complex appeals from intake through oral argument, producing high-quality written work-product under deadline.
Ability to identify and develop legal claims with systemic implications that cut across individual cases, in collaboration with OSPD staff and outside counsel.
Proficiency in legal research methods and relevant technology.
Knowledge of the law and procedures impacting death penalty cases in California at the trial and appellate levels.
Attorney Development & Supervision
Demonstrated experience supervising attorneys at varying skill levels, providing substantive legal feedback, assigning and monitoring work, and ensuring effective cases progress.
Proven ability to mentor and coach attorneys, including working with lawyers to ensure effective, consistent, and respectful communication with clients in all aspects of their representation.
Ability to model and cultivate a team culture of legal excellence, accountability, and professional growth.
Ability to initiate, review, and monitor personnel matters in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines.
Collaboration & Leadership
Proven ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization in a collaborative and productive manner.
Ability to partner with outside counsel and agencies to develop comprehensive strategies that advance client representation.
Commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and maintaining a respectful, harassment-free workplace, in compliance with state and department policies and personnel rules.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of privileged information in compliance with applicable law.
Complete application packages and required documents can be submitted electronically through the CalCareers website at: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=...
Complete Application Package includes the following:
STD.678 (State Application)
Resume
Statement of Qualification
A writing sample of no more than 5 pages; the sample should demonstrate a facility for criminal appellate briefing.
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