Managing Attorney

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Managing Attorney (Up To 12 Positions), State Public Defender’s Office

Full-time (40 hours) - $145,000 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 managing the defending attorneys in each office. The Managing Attorney positions will be in existing institutional offices.

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).

There are up to 12 Managing Attorney positions. Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - Boise, Pocatello, Hailey, Sandpoint, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Burley, Gooding, Rigby, Coeur d'Alene, American Falls, and/or Twin Falls.

POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary purpose of the Managing Attorney is to oversee the institutional office, supervise the cases and attorneys assigned to the office, and lead the attorneys and staff. The Managing Attorney works with the assigned attorneys and staff to achieve the State Public Defender’s mission. The Managing Attorney ensures that all staff in the office are supervised and mentored. Under the direction of the Litigation Director and the District Public Defender, the job of the Managing Attorney is to ensure effective representation and compliance with SPD policies and procedures. Direct representation of clients is required but the amount will vary based on the needs of each office.

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

Example of Duties

• Supporting and managing the staff including attorneys;
• Working with the Case Management System (CMS) Coordinator and Intake Specialists in accordance with SPD policy to assign cases;
• Evaluating and reviewing attorney performance of oral and written advocacy, and use of the SPD case management system including regular reviews of case files in the CMS;
• Effectively communicating SPD policies and expectations and coaching staff to meet them;
• Working with the Litigation Director and District Public Defender to ensure effective representation and compliance with SPD policies and procedures and the Idaho State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Facilitating the practice of vertical representation in all cases;
• Working with resource personnel and staff to engage experts, social workers, and investigators both inside and outside the SPD;
• Promoting a respectful workplace and fostering cooperation among staff;
• Providing staff with consistent and ongoing performance feedback and coaching;
• Collaborating with the SPD, Litigation Director, and District Public Defender to create and monitor the office budget;
• Providing direct representation in criminal cases as needed;
• Identifying issues within the office that affect clients and staff, and working with the Litigation Director and District Public Defender to develop strategies to improve indigent defense;
• Collaborating with SPD management on statewide policies and practices;
• Overseeing training requirements including the onboarding and mentoring process for new staff;
• Collaborating with SPD training staff to address training needs and improve attorney and staff skills;
• Collaborating with SPD management for staff recruitment, interviewing, and hiring;
• Being available during evenings and weekends to handle emergency issues when they arise; and
• Other duties as assigned by the SPD or his designee.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be licensed to practice law in Idaho or eligible for admission to the Idaho State Bar at the time of hiring and remain an active member in good standing thereafter; and
• Have at least five (5) years of criminal defense experience, preferably including significant experience defending different case types and complex criminal cases in state court. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferably the candidate will have ten (10) years of criminal defense including significant experience defending different case types and complex criminal cases in state court;
• Substantive expertise in legal issues affecting indigent criminal defendants;
• A demonstrated history of practicing holistic defense;
• A demonstrated history of practicing and/or implementing the American Bar Association’s (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense;
• Strong leadership skills and a leadership style that inspires and encourages professional growth in others;
• Experience and interest in coaching, guiding, and mentoring staff;
• An understanding of and demonstrated experience with collaborative leadership and change management;
• Proficiency using technology in criminal defense; and
• Prior experience with at-risk populations and a demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a diverse clientele and staff are required.

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 26, 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. Please identify your office preference/s. 

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.