Description:
Position Summary & Responsibilities:Position Summary:
The position of Senior Assistant Appellate Defender is for attorneys who have a well-developed appellate litigation practice or previous defense experience at the trial or postconviction stages, and who are capable of working on all lower severity level and some higher severity level felony appeals assigned to them with minimal supervision.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
Senior Assistant Appellate Defenders represent adults who have been convicted of felonies and provide those individuals with direct representation in their appeals. Senior Assistant Appellate Defenders possess an advanced legal writing and research skill set and have developed a comprehensive motions and briefing practice. Attorneys at this level are capable of litigating complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues with some assistance from other experienced attorneys within their office. Attorneys are also expected to engage in positive communications with clients, maintain substantial understanding of the relevant law governing cases, and provide robust advocacy.
Senior Assistant Appellate Defenders consistently advance the ideals of a client-centered, holistic public defender system both internally within the agency and in their interactions with outside legal system stakeholders. The attorney must demonstrate compassion for our clients and a desire to zealously advocate on behalf of the poor. The attorney in this position must be willing and able to treat our clients with dignity.
Senior Assistant Appellate Defenders maintain the highest standards of professionalism, and demonstrate an ability to respectfully and successfully work with colleagues, clients, opposing counsel, and the courts. These attorneys must continue to actively advance their level of practice by seeking additional learning opportunities.
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 or be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire.
- Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas
- Must have a valid driver's license
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must have exceptional communication skills, including strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
- A clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice and an on-going commitment to a client-centered practice.
- 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 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 prisons.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in appellate or postconviction criminal defense, capital defense, or other comparable legal practice.