Senior Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender II)

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS), through its regional public defender offices like the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. BIDS empowers its team to provide relentless representation and collaborative, holistic advocacy in service of client-centered outcomes. The organization 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 clients as whole individuals.

About the role

The Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office is seeking dynamic, client-centered advocates passionate about the importance of public defense and interested in aiding efforts to rebuild and transform the public defender office into a model of collaborative public defense practice.

Responsibilities

• Litigate all severity level cases, handling complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues.
• Exhibit advanced litigation skills, including comprehensive motions practice.
• Assume informal leadership roles within the office, supporting management and aiding in the professional development of less experienced attorneys and staff.
• Assist with the development and guidance of others, and fulfill agency-wide needs as defined by the Administrative Office when 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.
• Demonstrate dedication to the Public Defender system and its clients through client-centered, holistic representation.
• Occasional travel to other work locations, including courts and jails.

Requirements

• Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school and licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment (or willingness and ability to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire).
• Preferred minimum of 3 years of experience in criminal defense or other comparable legal practice.
• Valid driver’s license where courts and jails are not within walking distance of the office.
• Maintain active attorney licensure in good standing in Kansas.

Skills

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with electronic devices, e-filing systems, and case management systems.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to avoid unnecessary delays in client cases.
• Ability to process, organize, and manage complex litigation.
• Capability to handle emergency or crisis situations, frequent interruptions, and multiple calls/inquiries.
• Ability to interact respectfully and appropriately 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.
• Dedication to client-centered practice and maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong personal and professional ethics.

Pay

Compensation for this position ranges from $70,000.00 to $79,814.00, depending on experience or qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision) starting on the first day of employment under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP).
• Tax-advantaged accounts, including Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Voluntary benefits such as Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Access to the HealthQuest Health Center in Topeka for in-person and virtual healthcare services for SEHP members and their covered family members.
• Paid sick leave and vacation leave.
• Work-Life Balance programs, including paid parental leave, military leave, jury leave, and funeral leave.
• Paid State holidays.
• Access to fitness centers in select locations.
• Employee discounts through the STAR Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.