Deputy Capital Appellate Defender (PD IV)

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

Open Position – Call for Applicants

Deputy Capital Appellate Defender (PD IV)
Capital Appeals and Conflicts Defender Office
Lawrence, Kansas

Deputy Capital Appellate Defender (PD IV):

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Capital Appellate Defender (PD IV) in the Capital Appeals and Conflicts Defender Office in Lawrence, Kansas.

The position of Deputy Capital Appellate Defender is reserved for attorneys who desire to hold a formal and designated supervisory position and act as part of their office’s management team.

The Mission:

Our mission is to provide high-quality, client-centered, zealous appellate advocacy in the state system for people sentenced to death or convicted of capital crimes, as well as in capital cases in other procedural postures, and other high-level felony appeals.

Responsibilities

Deputy Capital Appellate Defenders assist with the evaluation of employee performance within their office and perform administrative tasks as assigned by their Chief Capital Public Defender. Deputy Capital Appellate Defenders assign work to the attorneys and staff, assist in personnel matters, schedule and lead office and project meetings as needed, and conduct trainings when called upon to do so. Deputy Capital Appellate Defenders assist the Chief Capital Appellate Defender in addressing office matters and larger criminal justice issues in their jurisdiction.

Deputy Capital Appellate Defenders represent adults in criminal felony appeals who are deemed indigent and unable to afford to hire an attorney. They also carry a slightly reduced caseload to allow for their duties providing active supervision of the other attorneys and support staff in the office, as directed by the Chief Capital Public Defender.

Deputy Capital Defenders are readily and regularly accessible to the employees in the office. Deputy Capital Defenders help to develop a positive office culture and support and implement the directives of the Chief Capital Appellate Defender and the Executive Director. Deputy Capital Defenders may help the Chief Capital Appellate Defender write objective and comprehensive employee evaluations, recognize and answer ethical questions, and make client-conflict determinations, among other office management duties. Deputy Capital Appellate Defenders may also serve as a liaison between the District Court, the County or District Attorney Office, community legal or justice-oriented associations or committees, and the Public Defender Office.

Education:

• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment (Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire)

Licensing & Certification:

• Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Minimum requirements for this position include:

• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling major felonies preferred.
• Must have exceptional communication skills.
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form.
• Must have the ability to use all necessary electronic devices including computers, e-filing systems, as well as case management systems.
• Must have the ability to coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
• Must have appropriate time management skills and organizational skills and demonstrate proficiency of avoiding unnecessary delays in client’s cases through appropriate preparation and planning.
• Must be able to process, organize and manage complex litigation.
• Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must be able to effectively interact with clients, co-workers and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must be academically curious about criminal law and procedure.
• Must be able to treat every client, witness and colleague with dignity and respect without exception.
• Must demonstrate an on-going commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Occasional travel to other work locations including courts and jail.
Highly preferred qualifications include:

• Prior or current service as an appellate-level public defender.
• Prior administrative or supervisory experience.
• Prior service as a Deputy Defender.
• Prior experience handling personnel issues.
• Experience developing or leading training programs.
• Experience creating and implementing new office policies.
• Ability to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the provision of quality criminal defense services to indigent clients.
• Experience and/or familiarity with holistic, client-centered public defense practices.
• Experience working with economically and racially diverse populations.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for this position (Public Defender IV) ranges from $85,000.00 - $135,607.00.
Salary may vary depending upon experience or qualifications.

The State of Kansas Employment Benefits Package includes:
• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs, parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Programs
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs
Application Materials Needed

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• List of three professional references
• If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, please also include your DD214

To apply for this position, please click the link below.

Apply – Deputy Capital Appellate Defender

Ensure you upload all required documents during the application process.
If you have any further questions please contact:

Shawn Keeling
Human Resources Professional, Administration Office
State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
[email protected]

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, open until filled.

Please be aware that if an offer of employment is made, actual employment is subject to two pre-employment conditions which include:

• Confirmation of licensure as an active attorney in good standing the State of Kansas, or successful admission to the Kansas Bar, prior to start date.
• Governor’s salary approval.

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required:

Each applicant (even non-residents) applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain and submit a valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter to the hiring agency by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/default.aspx. A Tax Clearance Certificate is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual’s account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact 785-296-3199 or by email at [email protected].

How to Claim Veterans Preference:

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.

Advertised by Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.