Assistant Capital Public Defender, Capital Habeas Defender Office (Capital PD I), Topeka, KS
The Capital Habeas Office is accepting applications for a qualified Assistant Capital Public Defender (Capital Public Defender I).
Who We Are: The Kansas Capital Habeas Office (KCHO) is a close-knit office of attorneys in the Kansas Public Defense system. Our mission is to provide high quality, client-centered, zealous post-conviction advocacy in the State system for people sentenced to death. Our office is located in Topeka, Kansas.
Requirements: A candidate for this position must have a commitment to indigent defense and the defense of people sentenced to death. Significant experience in criminal defense at the trial, post-conviction or appellate level is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience with high-level felony defense, the Kansas appellate system, or Kansas criminal defense. Candidates must be a graduate of an accredited law school and an active member in good standing of the Kansas bar or able to seek admission to the Kansas Bar immediately upon hire and prior to any employment start date. This position requires the ability to effectively interact with clients, co-workers, and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner and candidates must have a keenly developed set of professional ethics. Although the position may allow for some remote work, the candidate must have the ability to attend office and team meetings in Topeka, and to travel for court appearances, case investigations, and other case related matters.
Duties: The primary duties of the attorney position are to analyze case records, research legal issues, perform independent interviews and fact investigations, draft and file post-conviction motions, and appear in trial-level courts on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney position works closely with co-counsel as a team on the cases assigned to the office. Additional duties include positive communication with clients and maintaining substantial understanding of the relevant law governing capital cases. The attorney must be able to maintain communication with co-counsel while working remotely, including the use of Zoom or other web-based programs.
Annual salary is $62,500 – $82,500, dependent on relevant experience. We are happy to discuss salary expectations with interested applicants.
Application Deadline: Open until filled. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Applications must be submitted to Julia Spainhour via
jspainhour@sbids.org, and Jared Harsin, Human Resources Director, at
bidsrecruiter@sbids.org. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and original writing sample. If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, please also include your DD214.
Please be aware that if an offer of employment is made, actual employment is subject to two pre-employment conditions which include:
- Confirmation of active Kansas license in good standing and/or successful admission to the Kansas Bar.
- Governor’s salary approval.
