Deputy Public Defender (Public Defender IV):

Responsibilities

• Assist with the evaluation of employee performance within their office and perform administrative tasks as assigned by their Chief Public Defender.
• Assign work to the attorneys and staff, assist in personnel matters, schedule and lead office and project meetings as needed, and conduct trainings when called upon to do so.
• Represent adults charged with criminal felonies in their local district court jurisdiction who are deemed indigent and unable to afford to hire an attorney.
• Carry a slightly reduced caseload to allow for their duties providing active supervision of the other attorneys and support staff in the office, as directed by the Chief Public Defender.
• Be readily and regularly accessible to the employees in the office.
• Help to develop a positive office culture and support and implement the directives of the Chief Public Defender and the Executive Director.
• May help the Chief Public Defender write objective and comprehensive employee evaluations, recognize and answer ethical questions, and make client-conflict determinations, among other office management duties.
• Serve as a liaison between the District Court, the County or District Attorney Office, community legal or justice oriented associations or committees, and the Public Defender Office.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling major felonies preferred.
• Graduate from an ABA accredited law school and licensed attorney who is active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• The ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form.
• The ability to use all necessary electronic devices including computers, e-filing systems, as well as case management systems.
• The ability to coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
• Appropriate time management skills and organizational skills and demonstrate proficiency of avoiding unnecessary delays in client’s cases through appropriate preparation and planning.
• The ability to process, organize and manage complex litigation.
• The ability to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• The ability to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• The ability to effectively interact with clients, co-workers and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• The ability to be academically curious about criminal law and procedure.
• The ability to treat every client, witness and colleague with dignity and respect without exception.
• The ability to demonstrate an on-going commitment to a client-centered practice.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• The ability to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the provision of quality criminal defense services to indigent clients.
• The ability to be familiar with holistic, client-centered public defense practices.
• The ability to work with economically and racially diverse populations.