State Appellate
Public Defender's Office

State Appellate Public Defender

Full-time (40 hours) - $85,000 - $95,000 annually D.O.E.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

LOCATION

Boise, Idaho. As Idaho’s capital, Boise is a growing city of approximately 240,000 and serves as the headquarters for several major national and international corporations. Boise offers a rich variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Idaho’s world-famous fly-fishing, biking, skiing, kayaking, and hiking are all nearby.

ABOUT US

The State Appellate Public Defender (SAPD) is a law office which provides appellate and post-conviction representation to indigent defendants pursuant to Idaho Code § 19-5905.

The SAPD’s Appellate Unit (AU) represents indigent clients in non-death penalty cases, including juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases, and post-conviction proceedings arising out of those cases. The AU's role is limited to appeals before the Idaho Court of Appeals and/or the Idaho Supreme Court. The Capital Litigation Unit (CLU) represents indigent clients convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The CLU represents clients in post-conviction proceedings in the trial courts, and in appeals before the Idaho Supreme Court.

The SAPD offers deeply meaningful work. Our attorneys, who are among the most experienced and highly skilled appellate attorneys in Idaho, work tirelessly to preserve the Constitutional protections that Americans have traditionally held so dear. At the same time, they have the distinct pleasure of representing some of Idaho’s most vulnerable, underserved, and disadvantaged citizens. We recognize and celebrate the humanity of each client by treating them with dignity and respect while giving them a voice in a legal system that can otherwise make them feel unheard and powerless. Many clients have told us that we were the first people in their lives to listen to them, tell their stories, and fight for them. We are proud to do so.

The SAPD could not do any of this without its talented and dedicated attorneys and staff. The SAPD supports its amazing employees by fostering a sense of purpose, encouraging professional growth, and offering a collegial and supportive work environment.

The SAPD is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

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.

Other Excellent Benefits

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision and $11.80/month for dental (full-time);

• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start;

• Paid parental leave;

• Eleven paid holidays per year;

• Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan;

• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance;

• Employee Assistance Program;

• Flexible Spending Accounts; and

• Wellness programs.

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, for additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit:

https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/

POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Deputy State Appellate Public Defender in the SAPD's Appellate Unit represents indigent clients in juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and post-conviction appeals before the Idaho Court of Appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Communicating effectively with, and competently advising, clients whose cases are pending on appeal;

• Carefully reviewing trial court records and fully evaluating potential issues for appeal;

• Conducting thorough legal research;

• Drafting clear, concise appellate motions and briefs; and

• Delivering persuasive oral arguments before the Idaho Court of Appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court; and

• Traveling to the Idaho Supreme Court, correctional institutions, and other locations within the State of Idaho to attend court hearings, oral arguments, and visit incarcerated clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho, or be in the process of seeking admission to the Idaho State Bar. A commitment to indigent defense is essential. Criminal, juvenile, and/or appellate experience, and/or an appellate court clerkship is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Excellent research, writing, proofreading, and oral advocacy skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain client confidentiality. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented, exercise sound professional judgment, manage a heavy caseload and produce a high volume of quality work, and communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants who would like to apply for this position must submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) two letters of recommendation, and 4) two writing samples. Applicants whose law school graduation is within three years of the application must also submit copies of their law school transcripts (unofficial transcripts will be accepted). Application materials should be submitted to Elizabeth Todd, Office Administrator, at elizabeth.todd@sapd.idaho.gov.

For inquiries regarding this position, please contact Elizabeth Todd, Office Administrator, at (208) 334-2712 or elizabeth.todd@sapd.idaho.gov.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The SAPD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and it does not discriminate based on disability, 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 and 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 (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.