Lead Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender III)
About the Role
The Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services is accepting applications for the position of Lead Assistant Public Defender (PD III) in the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office in Wichita, Kansas. This position is for attorneys with a preferred minimum of 5 years of experience. Attorneys at this level have demonstrated the ability to independently handle all severity level of cases and the most complex matters with supervision.
About the Organization
The Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services (BIDS), through its regional public defender offices like the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. By supporting and elevating public defense in the State of Kansas, BIDS empowers its team to provide relentless representation and collaborative, holistic advocacy in service of client-centered outcomes. BIDS is in the process of remaking its public defense model with a renewed emphasis on building public defense offices with an interdisciplinary team-based collaborative defense system that uses community connections and resources to better represent not just an individual's case, but the client as a whole.
Responsibilities
- Possess a fully advanced litigation skill set and be proficient at comprehensive motions practice
- Litigate all severity level cases and regularly handle complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues within the office
- Exhibit an outstanding dedication to the Public Defender system and its clients
- Assume informal leadership roles within the office in any areas of practice, including acting as a support for the office management team and/or assisting with the professional development of less experienced attorneys and staff
- When called upon by the Chief Public Defender, assume additional responsibilities in assisting with the development and guidance of others, and/or filling agency-wide, Administrative Office-defined needs
- Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, inspire others, and take active steps to create a positive, safe, and supportive office culture
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Graduate from an ABA accredited law school
- Licensed attorney who is active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment
- Preferred minimum of 5 years of experience in criminal defense or other comparable legal practice
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral
- Ability to use all necessary electronic devices including computers, e-filing systems, and case management systems
- Ability to coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation
- Appropriate time management and organizational skills, and demonstrated proficiency in avoiding unnecessary delays in client's cases through appropriate preparation and planning
- Ability to process, organize, and manage complex litigation
- Ability to handle emergency or crisis situations
- Ability to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries
- Ability to effectively interact with clients, co-workers, and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner
- Academic curiosity about criminal law and procedure
- Ability to treat every client, witness, and colleague with dignity and respect without exception
- Demonstrated on-going commitment to a client-centered practice
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information
- A keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics
- Occasional travel to other work locations including courts and jail
Conditions of Employment
- Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas, or attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire
- Must have a valid driver's license where courts and jails are not located within walking distance of the office
Pay
Compensation for this position (Public Defender III) ranges from $72,500.00 - $101,665.00. Salary may vary 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 including Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
- Access to the HealthQuest Health Center at 9th and Kansas Avenue 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