Assistant Managing Attorney

State of Idaho Opportunity
Assistant Managing Attorney - Canyon County
Full-time (40 hours) - $140,000 annually

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency which 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).

Position & Responsibilities
The Primary Purpose of The Assistant Managing Attorney Is to Assist the Managing Attorney in Overseeing the Institutional Office, Supervising the Cases and Attorneys Assigned to The Office, and Leading the Attorneys and Staff. the Assistant Managing Attorney Works with The Assigned Attorneys and Staff to Achieve the State Public Defender's Core Goal – Providing Zealous Holistic Criminal Defense. the Assistant Managing Attorney Works with The Managing Attorney to Ensure that All Staff in The Office Are Supervised and Mentored. Under the Direction of The Managing Attorney, the Job of The Assistant Managing Attorney Is to Ensure Effective Representation and Compliance with Spd Policies and Procedures. Direct Representation of Clients Is Required.

This Is a Non-Classified Position that Reports to The Managing Attorney.

This Is a Trial Attorney Position. Regular Jury Trials and Motions Practice Are Required.

Example of Duties:

• Under the Direction of The Managing Attorney, Supporting and Managing the Staff Including Attorneys;
• Evaluating and Reviewing Attorney Performance of Oral and Written Advocacy, and Use of The Spd Case Management System Including Regular Reviews of Case Files in The Cms;
• Effectively Communicating Spd Policies and Expectations and Coaching Staff to Meet Them;
• Promoting a Respectful Workplace and Fostering Cooperation Among Staff;
• Providing Staff with Consistent and Ongoing Performance Feedback and Coaching;
• Identifying Issues Within the Office that Affect Clients and Staff, and Working with The Managing Attorney, Litigation Director, District Public Defender to Develop Strategies to Improve Indigent Defense;
• Facilitating Training Including the Onboarding and The Mentoring Process for New Staff;
• Collaborating with Spd Training Staff to Address Training Needs and Improve Attorney and Staff Skills;
• Defending Indigent Persons Including Adults in Criminal Cases, Juveniles in Delinquency Cases and Parents and Children in Child Protection Cases;
• Representing Misdemeanor, Felony, or Juvenile Clients in Court Arraignments, Pre-Trial Hearings, Trials, Sentencing, Dispositions, Probation Violations and Other Proceedings;
• Interviewing Clients and Prospective Witnesses;
• Preparing or Overseeing the Drafting of Motions, Briefs, Memoranda, Pleadings and Other Legal Papers;
• Conducting or Directing Legal Research and Analyses Data and Legal Documents;
• Applying Case Law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional Principles;
• Reviewing and Synthesizing Discovery;
• Interviewing Clients Early and Frequently and Making Decisions Concerning Such Things as Bail, Release from Custody, and Mental Competency to Stand Trial;
• Determining the Need for Expert Witnesses and Locating Appropriate Experts and Schedules Them for Trial if Needed;
• Regularly Representing Clients in Motions Hearings and Jury Trials;
• Negotiating with Prosecutors to Reach Plea Agreements when Appropriate;
• Consulting with And Working with Social Workers, Mitigation Specialists and Investigators to Develop Work Plans and Defense and Litigation Strategies, Access to Support Services and Treatment Programs for Clients;
• Working in The Case Management System (cms) to Document Case Work and Timekeeping in Accordance with Spd Policy;
• Working Under the Managing Attorney, Litigation Director and District Public Defender to Ensure Effective Representation and Compliance with Spd Policies and Procedures and The Idaho State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Following the American Bar Association (aba) Standards for Defending Attorneys Delivering Indigent Defense;
• Working with The Case Management System (cms) Coordinator and Intake Specialists in Accordance with Spd Policy to Assign Cases;
• Facilitating the Practice of Vertical Representation in All Cases;
• Working with Resource Personnel and Staff to Engage Experts, Social Workers, and Investigators Both Inside and Outside the Spd;
• Being Available During Evenings and Weekends to Handle Emergency Issues when They Arise; And
• Other Duties as Assigned by The Spd or His Designee.

Minimum Qualifications:
Be Licensed to Practice Law in Idaho or Eligible for Admission to The Idaho State Bar at The Time of Hiring and Remain an Active Member in Good Standing Thereafter; And

Have at Least Five (5) Years of Criminal Defense Experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten (10) Years of Criminal Defense, Including Significant Experience Defending Different Case Types and Complex Criminal Cases in State Court;
• Have Substantive Expertise in Legal Issues Affecting Indigent Criminal Defendants;
• Have a Demonstrated History of Practicing Holistic Defense;
• Have a Demonstrated History of Practicing And/or Implementing the American Bar Association's (aba) Standards for Defending Attorneys Delivering Indigent Defense;
• Possess Strong Leadership Skills and A Leadership Style that Inspires and Encourages Professional Growth in Others;
• Experience and Interest in Coaching, Guiding, and Mentoring Staff;
• An Understanding of And Demonstrated Experience with Collaborative Leadership and Change Management;
• Proficiency Using Technology in Criminal Defense; And
• Prior Experience with At-Risk Populations and A Demonstrated Ability to Relate Effectively to A Diverse Clientele and Staff.