Lead Assistant Public Defender (PDIII)

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) is accepting applications for the position of Lead Assistant Public Defender (PD III) in the North Central Regional Public Defender Office in Junction City, Kansas.

About the role

BIDS, through its regional public defender offices like the North Central Regional Public Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. The agency is remaking its public defense model with a renewed emphasis on building interdisciplinary, team-based collaborative defense systems that use community connections and resources to better represent the client as a whole.

The North Central Regional Public Defender Office seeks dynamic, client-centered advocates who are passionate about the importance of public defense and are interested in aiding efforts to rebuild the system and transform the office into a model of collaborative public defense practice.

Responsibilities

• Handle all severity levels of cases and the most complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues with supervision.
• Exhibit advanced litigation skills and proficiency in comprehensive motions practice.
• Assume informal leadership roles within the office, including supporting office management and assisting with the professional development of less experienced attorneys and staff.
• Assist with the development and guidance of others, and fulfill agency-wide or Administrative Office-defined needs as called upon by the Chief Public Defender.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, inspire others, and actively contribute to a positive, safe, and supportive office culture.
• Coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
• Occasional travel to other work locations including courts and jail.

Requirements

• Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school and licensed attorney active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment (or willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire).
• Preferred minimum of 5 years of experience in criminal defense or other comparable legal practice.
• Valid driver’s license where courts and jails are not located within walking distance of the office.

Skills

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Proficiency with electronic devices, e-filing systems, and case management systems.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to avoid unnecessary delays in clients’ cases.
• Ability to process, organize, and manage complex litigation.
• Ability to handle emergency or crisis situations, frequent interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with clients, co-workers, and colleagues.
• Academic curiosity about criminal law and procedure.
• Commitment to treating every client, witness, and colleague with dignity and respect without exception.
• Demonstrated commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Keenly developed and uncompromising personal and professional ethics.

Pay

Compensation for this position ranges from $72,500.00 to $97,882.00, depending upon experience or qualifications.

Benefits

• First day of employment comprehensive coverage under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) for medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision.
• Tax advantage accounts, including Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Additional voluntary benefits: Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Access to the HealthQuest Health Center in Topeka for in-person and virtual health care services for SEHP members and their covered family members.
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Work-Life Balance programs: paid parental leave, military leave, jury leave, and funeral leave.
• Paid State Holidays.
• Fitness Centers in select locations.
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.