State of Idaho OpportunityAssistant Managing Attorney - Canyon County
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).
POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary purpose of the Assistant Managing Attorney is to assist the Managing Attorney in overseeing the institutional office, supervising the cases and attorneys assigned to the office, and leading the attorneys and staff. The Assistant Managing Attorney works with the assigned attorneys and staff to achieve the State Public Defender's core goal - providing zealous holistic criminal defense. The Assistant Managing Attorney works with the Managing Attorney to ensure that all staff in the office are supervised and mentored. Under the direction of the Managing Attorney, the job of the Assistant Managing Attorney is to ensure effective representation and compliance with SPD policies and procedures. Direct representation of clients is required.
This is a non-classified position that reports to the Managing Attorney.
This is a trial attorney position. Regular jury trials and motions practice are required.
Example of Duties
Under the direction of the Managing Attorney, supporting and managing the staff including attorneys;
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;
Promoting a respectful workplace and fostering cooperation among staff;
Providing staff with consistent and ongoing performance feedback and coaching;
Identifying issues within the office that affect clients and staff, and working with the Managing Attorney, Litigation Director, District Public Defender to develop strategies to improve indigent defense;
Facilitating training including the onboarding and the mentoring process for new staff;
Collaborating with SPD training staff to address training needs and improve attorney and staff skills;
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 synthesizing 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 and 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 Managing Attorney, 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;
Working with the Case Management System (CMS) Coordinator and Intake Specialists in accordance with SPD policy to assign cases;
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;
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Ten (10) years of criminal defense, including significant experience defending different case @types and complex criminal cases in state court;
Have substantive expertise in legal issues affecting indigent criminal defendants;
Have a demonstrated history of practicing holistic defense;
Have a demonstrated history of practicing and/or implementing the American Bar Association's (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense;
Possess 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.
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 once vested. 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 is $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 plans.
Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Wellness Programs.
LOCATION
Caldwell, Idaho
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 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 Mariette Barcinas at Mariette.Barcinas@spd.idaho.gov.
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 ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
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.
