Lead Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender III)

Position Description

Lead Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender III):

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.

The position of Lead Assistant Public Defender 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.

The Mission

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.

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services 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.

The office of the Sedgwick County Public Defender is looking for dynamic, client-centered advocates who are passionate about the importance of public defense and are interested in aiding our efforts to rebuild our system and transform the public defender office in Wichita into a model of collaborative public defense practice.

Responsibilities

Lead Assistant Public Defenders possess a fully advanced litigation skill set, and are proficient at comprehensive motions practice. Attorneys at this level are capable of litigating all severity level cases and regularly are involved in complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues within their office.

Lead Assistant Public Defenders exhibit an outstanding dedication to the Public Defender system and its clients. Lead Assistant Public Defenders are capable of assuming informal leadership roles within their office in any areas of practice, including acting as a support for their office management team, and/or assisting with the professional development of less experienced attorneys and staff.

When called upon by their Chief Public Defender, Lead Assistant Public Defenders must assume additional responsibilities in assisting with the development, guidance of others, and/or filling agency-wide, Administrative Office-defined needs. These attorneys 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: Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school and licensed attorney who is active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment. Have a preferred minimum of 5 years of experience in criminal defense or other comparable legal practice.

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

• 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.
• All Employment is subject to the Governor’s salary approval.

Salary And Benefits

Compensation for this position (Public Defender III) ranges from $72,500.00 - $101,665.00. Salary may vary depending upon experience or qualifications. We are happy to discuss salary expectations with interested applicants.

The State Of Kansas Employment Benefits Package Includes

• First day of employment comprehensive coverage under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) for medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision. Tax advantage accounts are available and include options such as a Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Additional voluntary benefits including Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
• SEHP members and their covered family members have access to the HealthQuest Health Center at 9th and Kansas Avenue in Topeka for in person and virtual health care services
• Sick & 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