Chief Public Defender (PDV)

Position Description

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

Open Position – Call for Applicants

Chief Public Defender (Public Defender V)

Sedgwick County Public Defender Office

Wichita, KS

Chief Public Defender (Public Defender V)

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for the Chief Public Defender position (PD V) in the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office, based in Wichita, Kansas.

The Chief Public Defender will be the lead supervising attorney of the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office, which will provide representation for indigent adult felony clients in Wichita. The Chief Public Defenders of the Kansas public defense system are each leaders within the agency who consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the zealous and dignified representation of indigent defendants.

The Mission

The 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.

Responsibilities

The Chief of the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office is responsible for the overall management of the main area Public Defender office in partnership with the Deputy Public Defender. Specific responsibilities include direct personnel mentorship and supervision, general office administration, hiring and discipline of personnel, coordination of periodic in-house trainings, ethical training and oversight, caseload management, case assignments, and all other areas necessary for the best representation possible for our clients.

Additionally, this role will involve creating policies for the office in collaboration with the BIDS Administration Office, building training programs for the office in collaboration with the BIDS Training Division and Administration Office, and an emphasis on building relationships with stakeholders in Wichita. In order to effectively administer the office, Chief Public Defenders are expected to carry a reduced caseload.

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 (Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire)

Licensing & Certification

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

Qualifications

Minimum requirements for this position include:

• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling major felonies preferred.
• Must have demonstrated experience leading others.
• Must have exceptional communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.
• Ability to use all necessary electronic systems, including all required E-filing systems and records management systems, as well as case tracking databases.
• Must be able to effectively handle emergency or crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Must be able to process, organize, and manage complex litigation.
• Must possess exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must have demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients, employees, and colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and able to manage confidential information.
• Must be willing and able to treat every client, witness, employee, and colleague with dignity and respect.
• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Must be open to receiving training and the providing training to others.

Highly Preferred Qualifications Include

• Prior or current service as a trial-level public defender.
• Prior administrative or supervisory experience.
• Prior service as a Chief or Deputy Defender.
• Prior experience handling personnel issues, including hiring and termination of employees and employee disciplinary issues.
• Experience developing or leading training programs.
• Experience creating and implementing new office policies.
• Experience and/or familiarity with holistic, client-centered public defense practices.
• Ability to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the provision of quality criminal defense services to indigent clients.
• Experience with the development of local community connections and resources.
• Experience working with economically and racially diverse populations.

Salary and Benefits

Public Defender V is the highest experienced defender position in our agency. Compensation for this position (Public Defender V) ranges from $92,500 – $137,812.50. Salary may vary depending upon experience or qualifications.

The State Of Kansas Employment Benefits Package Includes

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs, parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Programs
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Application Materials Needed

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• List of three professional references
• If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, please also include your DD214

To apply for this position, please click the link below.

Apply – Chief Public Defender

Ensure you upload all required documents during the application process.

If You Have Any Further Questions Please Contact

Shawn Keeling

Human Resources Professional, Administration Office

State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

***email_hidden***

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, open until filled.

Please Be Aware That If An Offer Of Employment Is Made, Actual Employment Is Subject To Two Pre-employment Conditions Which Include

• 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.
• Governor’s salary approval.

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate Required

Each applicant (even non-residents) applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain and submit a valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter to the hiring agency by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website at A Tax Clearance Certificate is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual’s account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact View phone number on us.fitly.work or by email at View email address on us.fitly.work.

How To Claim Veterans Preference

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.

Advertised by Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.