Description:

Position Summary & Responsibilities:
Position Summary:
A Government Entity is accepting applications for the position of Senior Assistant Capital Public Defender (Capital Public Defender II) in the Death Penalty Defense Unit in Topeka, Kansas.

Capital Public Defender II's represent adults charged with capital criminal felonies in Kansas District Courts who are deemed indigent and unable to afford to hire an attorney. The position of Capital Public Defender II is for attorneys who have first chaired a murder case to jury trial.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Capital Defenders II represent adults charged with or convicted of capital criminal felonies who may be under a sentence of death or life without parole and who are deemed indigent and unable to afford to hire an attorney at the District Courts across Kansas.
Attorneys in this position possess an advanced capital litigation skill set and have developed a comprehensive capital motions practice. Attorneys at this level are capable of litigating complex capital statutory, procedural and constitutional issues in various courts throughout Kansas with some assistance from other experienced attorneys within their office. Attorneys in this position understand the impact of their state capital litigation on the larger timeline and procedural overlay of state and federal capital case litigations.
Capital Public Defender II's are capable of and willing to provide some limited mentoring, in-house training and guidance to less experienced attorneys and defense staff, as requested by the Chief Capital Public Defender or their Deputy.
Capital Public Defender II's consistently advance the ideal of a client-centered, holistic Public Defender system both internally within the agency and in their interactions with outside legal system stakeholders.
Capital Public Defender II's must continue to actively advance their level of practice by seeking additional learning opportunities. These attorneys maintain the highest standard of professionalism, inspire others and take active steps to create a positive, safe and supportive office culture.
To be qualified for this position shall have demonstrated those qualifications set forth in ABA Guidelines for appointment and performance of defense counsel in death penalty cases. ABA Guideline 5.1.

Qualifications:
Education:

Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school
Licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment

Licensing & Certification

Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas
Must have a valid driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must have exceptional communication skills.
Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form.
Ability to use all necessary electronic devices including computers, e-filing systems, as well as case management systems.
Ability to coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
Must have appropriate time management skills and organizational skills and demonstrate proficiency of avoiding unnecessary delays in client's cases through appropriate preparation and planning.
Must be able to process, organize and manage complex litigation.
Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.
Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
Must be able to effectively interact with clients, co-workers and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
Must be academically curious about criminal law and procedure.
Must be able to treat every client, witness and colleague with dignity and respect without exception.
Must demonstrate an on-going commitment to a client-centered practice.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
Occasional travel to other work locations including courts and jail.

Conditions of Employment:

Confirmation of licensure as an active attorney in good standing the State of Kansas, or successful admission to the Kansas Bar, prior to start date.
Must have a valid driver's license where courts and jails are not located within walking distance of the office.
All Employment is subject to the Governor's salary approval.

Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in criminal defense or other comparable legal practice