Public Defender

USA:ID:Multiple Locations | Attorney | Full Time 43.27 - 63.46 USD per hour Posted 5 months ago | Apply before July 31, 2026 Description State of Idaho Opportunity Public Defender, (Trial Attorney 1-5) State Public Defender’s Office Full-time (40 hours) If you have previously applied for a position, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account. For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page. The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency that provides trial representation to indigent criminal defendants pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 19-6005, 19-6009 (effective 10/1/24). The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults. The SPD values its employees and offers meaningful work that has a direct impact on citizens across the state. Additionally, the SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - American Falls, Boise, Burley, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Gooding, Hailey, Idaho Falls, Jerome, Mountain Home, Pocatello, Rigby, Sandpoint, Shoshone, St. Maries, and/or Twin Falls. TRIAL ATTORNEY I POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES Under close supervision, the Trial Attorney I defends clients in low-level misdemeanors; mental commitment hearings; and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court and does related work as required. This level is assigned to attorneys who have little to no previous criminal defense experience. Example of Duties Represent clients in low-level misdemeanor, mental commitment hearings and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court, ensuring effective legal defense through all stages of proceedings. Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to the district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level. Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action. Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines. Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate. Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials. Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically. Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision. Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training. Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents. Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles. Review and synthesize discovery. Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial. Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed. Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy. Practice vertical representation in all cases. Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law. Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing or the ability to obtain Idaho State Bar licensure within 6 months. Individuals hired before ISP licensure must pass the bar on their first attempt and/or obtain ISB licensure within 6 months. Failure to pass the bar will result in termination. TRIAL ATTORNEY II POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES Under supervision, the Trial Attorney II defends clients in all types of misdemeanor criminal and delinquency cases, mental commitment hearings, child protective act cases, specialty court proceedings in magistrate court, and appeals to the district court and does related work as required. This level is assigned to attorneys with at least one year of experience in the practice of criminal law. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise independent judgment in handling assigned cases. Example of Duties Represent clients in all types of misdemeanor criminal and juvenile delinquency cases, ensuring effective legal defense through all stages of proceedings. Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level. Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action. Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines. Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate. Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required. Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically. Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision. Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys as needed. Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training. Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents. Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles. Review and synthesize discovery. Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial. Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed. Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy. Practice vertical representation in all cases. Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law. Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing. Preferred Qualifications 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1–2-year judicial clerkship. TRIAL ATTORNEY III POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES Under direction, the Trial Attorney III defends clients in low-level felony criminal and delinquency cases, including burglary and drug possession cases; child protective act cases; and felony specialty court proceedings and does related work as required. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in handling assigned cases. Example of Duties Represent clients in low level felony criminal and delinquency cases, including burglary and drug possession cases; child protective act cases; and felony specialty court proceedings. Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action. Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines. Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate. Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required. Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically. Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision. Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys as needed. Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training. Prepare or oversee the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers. Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents. Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles. Review and synthesize discovery. Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial. Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed. Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy. Practice vertical representation in all cases. Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law. Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing. 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1–2-year judicial clerkship. Preferred Qualifications At least 3 years of experience practicing criminal law. TRIAL ATTORNEY IV POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES Under direction, the Trial Attorney IV represents clients in serious felony criminal and delinquency cases including sexual assault, rape, lewd and lascivious cases, and homicides as well as juveniles being tried in adult court and does related work as required. Attorneys will be required to handle their assignments independently, with minimal supervision. Example of Duties Represent clients in serious felony criminal and delinquency cases including sexual assault, rape, lewd and lascivious cases, and homicides as well as juveniles being tried in adult court. Conduct client interviews, develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action. Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines. Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate. Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required. Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically. Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision. May be asked to train, supervise, or oversee other attorneys. Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training. Prepare or oversee the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers. Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents. Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles. Review and synthesize discovery. Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial. Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed. Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy. Practice vertical representation in all cases. Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law. Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing. 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney. Preferred Qualifications At least 5 years of experience in the practice of criminal law. TRIAL ATTORNEY V POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES The Trial Attorney V has the ability to represent clients in the most serious capital cases, including the ability to develop and present capital mitigation. Attorneys will be required to lead and direct a team of investigators, experts and mitigation specialists. Example of Duties Represent clients in the most serious felony cases, including capital cases. Develop and present capital mitigation. Lead and direct a team of investigators, experts and mitigation specialists. Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level. Conduct client interviews, develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action. Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines. Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate. Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required. Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically. Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision. May be asked to train, supervise, or oversee other attorneys. Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training. Prepare or oversee the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers. Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents. Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles. Review and synthesize discovery. Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial. Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed. Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy. Practice vertical representation in all cases. Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law. Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing. 5 – 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney. Preferred Qualifications At least 10 years of experience in the practice of criminal law. BENEFITS Best Retirement Available in The Nation The State of Idaho has one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit once vested. This position is PERSI retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member, which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%. Other Excellent Benefits Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance--employee coverage for PPO is $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/month for dental (full-time). Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start. Paid parental leave. Eleven paid holidays per year. Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and deferred compensation plans. Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance. Employee Assistance Program. Flexible Spending Accounts. Wellness Programs. LOCATION Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - American Falls, Boise, Burley, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Gooding, Hailey, Idaho Falls, Jerome, Mountain Home, Pocatello, Rigby, Sandpoint, Shoshone, St. Maries, and/or Twin Falls. HOW TO APPLY Qualified applicants who would like to apply for this position must submit the following: cover letter, resume, two references, and a writing sample. Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website, and not directly to the agency. For assistance on your application, please contact Mariette Barcinas at View email address on click.appcast.io. EEO/ADA/VETERAN The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY/TTD: 711), or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr