State of Idaho Opportunity
Public Defender, (Trial Attorney 1 or 2) - Jerome County
Full-time (40 hours)
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The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency that 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).
TRIAL ATTORNEY I
POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under close supervision, defends clients in low-level misdemeanors, mental commitment hearings, and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court and does related work as required. This level is assigned to attorneys who have little to no previous criminal defense experience.
Example of Duties
Represent clients in low-level misdemeanor, mental commitment hearings and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court ensuring effective legal defense through all stages of proceedings;
Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to the district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level;
Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action;
Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines;
Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate;
Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials;
Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically;
Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision;
Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training;
Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents;
Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles;
Review and synthesize discovery;
Interview clients early and frequently and makes decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial;
Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed;
Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy;
Practice vertical representation in all cases;
Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
Other duties as assigned.
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.
TRIAL ATTORNEY II
POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under supervision, the Trial Attorney II defends clients in all @types of misdemeanor criminal and delinquency cases, mental commitment hearings, child protective act cases, specialty court proceedings in magistrate court, and appeals to the district court and does related work as required.
This level is assigned to attorneys with at least one year of experience in the practice of criminal law. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise independent judgment in handling assigned cases.
Example of Duties
Represent clients in all @types of misdemeanor criminal and juvenile delinquency cases, ensuring effective legal defense through all stages of proceedings;
Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level;
Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action;
Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines;
Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate;
Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required;
Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically;
Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision;
Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys as needed;
Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training;
Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents;
Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles;
Review and synthesizes discovery;
Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed;
Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy;
Practice vertical representation in all cases;
Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
Other duties as assigned.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1-2-year judicial clerkship.
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
Jerome, 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.
*Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
