District 1 Public Defender

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

District Public Defender, State Public Defender’s Office

Full-time (40 hours) $150,000 annually 

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency which provides trial representation to indigent criminal defendants pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 19-6005, 19-6009 (effective 10/1/24). The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults. We are looking for an innovative and experienced attorney to help implement the agency’s core goal – providing zealous holistic representation – by overseeing and supporting the defending attorneys in each judicial district.

The SPD values its employees and offers meaningful work that has a direct impact on citizens across the state. Additionally, the SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

This position will be located in District 1 which covers Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties. 

POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

The District Public Defender will supervise both state employees and attorneys under contract with the State of Idaho. Under the supervision of the State Public Defender and the Litigation Director, the position of the District Public Defender is to ensure compliance with the provisions of agency policies and procedures. This role requires travel throughout the judicial district to oversee defending attorneys, recruit contract counsel, and ensure effective representation, training, supervision, and internal compliance. The District Public Defender serves as the principal liaison with the administrative district judge, the trial court administrator, the boards of county commissioners, county clerks, and county prosecutors on administrative matters concerning public defense in the judicial district. The District Public Defender also collaborates with the managing attorneys and the State Public Defender on budget requests. Direct representation of clients is required when district caseloads and scheduling demands necessitate it.

This is a newly created non-classified position that reports to the State Public Defender and the Litigation Director.

We are looking for candidates that possess the following skills:

• A demonstrated history of creative and high impact advocacy, leadership in criminal defense, and substantive expertise in legal issues affecting indigent criminal defendants;
• A history of practicing and/or implementing the American Bar Association’s (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense;
• Strong leadership skills and significant experience supervising attorneys and encouraging professional growth in others;
• An understanding of and demonstrated experience with collaborative leadership and change management;
• An ability to build and foster relationships with stakeholders;
• Proficiency using technology in criminal defense and the ability to review large amounts of data for compliance purposes; and
• Prior experience with at-risk populations and a demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a diverse clientele and staff.

Example of Duties

• Supporting and overseeing defending attorneys throughout the district including primary contract attorneys;
• Evaluating and reviewing defending attorney performance in the courtroom, written advocacy skills of attorneys, and attorney use of the SPD case management system;
• Tracking and reviewing data in the case management system to ensure effective representation and compliance with SPD policies and the Idaho State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Serving as a principal liaison with the administrative district judge, the trial court administrator, the boards of county commissioners, county clerks, and prosecutors on administrative matters concerning public defense in the judicial district;
• Providing reports to the board of county commissioners concerning public defense in the respective county at least annually;
• Collaborating with the SPD, Litigation Director and managing attorneys to create and monitor the district’s public defense budget;
• Providing direct representation in criminal cases as required;
• Regular travel throughout the district to supervise and oversee defending attorneys;
• Identifying issues within the district that affect clients and counsel, and developing strategies to improve indigent defense;
• Building and fostering relationships with and recruiting contract attorneys throughout the district;
• Ensuring provision of legal representation in Child Protection Act cases and defense for juveniles in delinquency cases;
• Working with the SPD, Litigation Director and finance team to oversee district budgets and provide regular reports to the SPD or his designee;
• Overseeing compliance with training requirements including the onboarding and mentoring process for new staff;
• Collaborating with the Litigation Director to address training needs and improve attorney and staff skills;
• Being available during evenings and weekends to handle emergency issues when they arise; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be or become an active member of the Idaho state bar within one (1) year of hiring and remain an active member in good standing thereafter;
• Be 30 years of age or older;
• Be a United States citizen; and
• Must be a licensed attorney in one (1) or more jurisdictions of the United States for at least five (5) continuous years immediately preceding starting date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have at least five (5) years criminal defense experience. Preferably the candidate will have ten (10) years of criminal defense experience including significant experience defending different case types and complex criminal cases in state court;
• Have a demonstrated history of creative and high impact advocacy, leadership in criminal defense, and substantive expertise in legal issues affecting indigent criminal defendants;
• Have a demonstrated history of practicing and/or implementing the American Bar Association’s (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
• Have a significant history of skills and experience supervising attorneys.

BENEFITS

Best Retirement Available in The Nation

The State of Idaho has one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

Other Excellent Benefits

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision and $11.80/month for dental (full-time).
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start.
• Paid parental leave.
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan.
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants who would like to apply for this position must submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) two references, and 4) two writing samples. Application materials must be submitted no later than June 24, 2024. Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website, https://statecareers.idaho.gov/, and not directly to the agency. 

For inquiries on this position, please contact Jennifer Cichocki at [email protected]. For technical assistance on your application, please contact Gina Romano at [email protected]. 

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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 [email protected].

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

*Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions. 

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.