Public Defender

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Public Defender, State Public Defender’s Office

Full-time (40 hours)

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.

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).

POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary purpose of a public defender is to provide zealous holistic representation of clients in criminal, delinquency or child protection cases.

This is a non-classified position that reports to the Litigation Director or his designee.

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.

Example of Duties

• Defends indigent persons including adults in criminal cases, juveniles in delinquency cases and parents and children in child protection cases;
• Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, dispositions, probation violations and other proceedings;
• Interviews clients and prospective witnesses;
• Prepares or oversees the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers;
• Conducts or directs legal research and analyses data and legal documents;
• Applies case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles;
• Reviews and synthesizes discovery;
• Interviews clients early and frequently and makes decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial;
• Determines the need for expert witnesses; locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed;
• Negotiates with prosecutors to reach plea agreements when appropriate;
• Consults with and works with social workers, mitigation specialists and investigators to develop work plans and defense and litigation strategies, access to support services and treatment programs for clients;
• Works in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy;
• Works under 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;
• Practices vertical representation in all cases;
• Follows the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
• Other duties as assigned by the Litigation Director or his designee.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA approved college of law and admission to the Idaho State Bar or a person who has graduated from an ABA approved law school and has a Legal Intern License;
• Individuals hired as Legal License Intern must pass the bar on their first attempt.
• Failure to pass the bar is grounds for dismissal.

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.

LOCATION

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.

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) a writing sample. Application materials must be submitted no later than October 15, 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.