Lead Attorney- Jerome
Posting Begin Date: 2025/06/05
Posting End Date: 2025/06/27
Category: Attorney
Sub Category: Management
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Jerome, ID, United States
Minimum Salary: 67.31
Maximum Salary: 67.31
Pay Rate Type: Hourly
Description
State of Idaho Opportunity
Lead Attorney State Public Defender's Office
Full-time (40 hours) - $140,000 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.
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).
The primary purpose of the Lead Attorney is to provide direct representation of clients, oversee an institutional office, supervise the cases assigned to the office, and supervise the office staff. The Lead Attorney works with staff to achieve the State Public Defender's core goal - providing zealous holistic criminal defense. Under the direction of the District Public Defender, the job of the Lead Attorney is to ensure effective representation and compliance with SPD policies and procedures.
Example of Duties
Defending indigent persons including adults in criminal cases, juveniles in delinquency cases and parents and children in child protection cases;
Representing misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, dispositions, probation violations and other proceedings;
Interviewing clients and prospective witnesses;
Preparing or overseeing the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers;
Conducting or directing legal research and analyses data and legal documents;
Applying case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles;
Reviewing and synthesizes discovery;
Interviewing clients early and frequently and making decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial;
Determining the need for expert witnesses; locating appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed;
Regularly representing clients in motions hearings and jury trials;
Negotiating with prosecutors to reach plea agreements when appropriate;
Consulting with and working 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;
Working in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy;
Working 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;
Following the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense;
Supporting and manages the staff including any attorneys in the office;
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;
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;
Identifying issues within the office that affect clients and staff, and works with the Litigation Director and District Public Defender to develop strategies to improve indigent defense;
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
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing or the ability to obtain Idaho State Bar licensure within 6 months. Individuals hired before ISP licensure must pass the bar on their first attempt and/or obtain ISB licensure within 6 months. Failure to pass the bar will result in termination.
At least 5 years practicing criminal law.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supervising lawyers and staff.
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. This position is PERSI Retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member - which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%.
Other Excellent Benefits
Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance - employee coverage for PPO $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/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
Jerome Main Office
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 June 27, 2025. 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 assistance on your application, please contact SPD HR 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.
