Assistant Capital Defender (Capital Defender I)

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for an Assistant Capital Defender (Capital Defender I) in the Capital Habeas Defender Office in Kansas City, Kansas. This entry-level position is for developing attorneys who will perform legal work under the mentorship of experienced attorneys and supervision by the Chief Capital Defender or designated Deputy Capital Defender.

About the Office

The Kansas Capital Habeas Office (KCHO) is a specialty office within the Kansas Public Defense system. Our mission is to provide high-quality representation to persons sentenced to death after trial. Our team identifies inadequacies in legal assistance provided to clients charged with capital murder and challenges the fairness of trial and appellate proceedings that resulted in a death sentence.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent adults charged with criminal felonies in local district court.
• Develop fundamental trial skills and manage all aspects of a caseload.
• Process, organize, and manage complex litigation.
• Handle emergency or crisis situations, frequent interruptions, and multiple inquiries.
• Coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
• Interact respectfully with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and co-workers.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Occasional travel to courts, jails, and other work locations.

Requirements

• Graduate of an ABA-accredited law school and licensed attorney in good standing in Kansas at the time of employment (or willingness to seek admission immediately upon hire if licensed in another state).
• Candidates anticipating taking the bar exam in 2026 may apply.
• Valid driver’s license (required where courts and jails are not within walking distance of the office).
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with electronic devices, e-filing systems, and case management systems.
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and ability to avoid unnecessary case delays.
• Academic curiosity about criminal law and procedure.
• Commitment to treating every client, witness, and colleague with dignity and respect.
• Uncompromising personal and professional ethics.
• Demonstrated commitment to a client-centered practice.

Pay

Compensation for this position (Capital Defender I) starts at $63,125.00 - $72,775.00, depending on experience or qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, prescription, dental, vision) starting on the first day of employment.
• Tax-advantage accounts: Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary benefits: Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Access to the HealthQuest Health Center in Kansas City for in-person and virtual healthcare services.
• Paid sick leave, vacation leave, and work-life balance programs (parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave).
• Paid State holidays.
• Fitness centers in select locations and employee discounts through the STAR Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.