Public Defender 2 - Wrongful Convictions
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Public Defender 2 - Wrongful Convictions
Salary
$85,176.00 - $130,603.20 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
27-00099
Agency
428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender
Opening Date
07/13/2026
Closing Date
7/27/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-DNP
Point of Contact
Kurt Swaim, kswaim@spd.state.ia.us
Description
Benefits
Job Description
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service? The Iowa State Public Defender's Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic attorney to serve as a Public Defender 2 in our Wrongful Convictions Unit located in Polk County, Iowa.
Who We Are
The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
What You'll Do
As a Public Defender attorney in this position, you will:
Advocate for indigent clients in assigned cases at every state of the criminal justice system.
Receive training and mentoring from dedicated, experienced public defenders in an atmosphere which encourages growth and development of an attorney's skills and career.
Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial sentencings and other court hearings.
Prepare a defense, conducting legal research, gathering facts, and interviewing the client and witnesses to determine the merits of case and appropriate course of action.
Conduct pretrial discovery, including depositions, withdraw pleas, and suppression motions.
Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other disposition of assigned cases with prosecuting attorneys.
Work closely with clients, providing and discussing information, plan case strategy and trial preparation.
Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answering client questions.
Identify potential legal issues to advance client's case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs
Prepare various legal documents, including written arraignments, written guilty pleas, motions, briefs, and letters.
May direct work of investigators consistent with internal office policies.
Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies.
This is a non-merit position for the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender.
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
What We Offer
When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:
Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for professional development.
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
For additional information on benefits click here (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3766/download?inline=) .
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .
Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us!
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Defender 1.
For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\and\pay/JobClassDescriptions/PublicDefender2-00634.pdf)
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
Employer
State of Iowa
Agency
428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender
Address
6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1
Des Moines, Iowa, 50321
Website
https://spd.iowa.gov/
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