Senior Assistant Public Defender

The Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services is accepting applications for the position of Senior Assistant Public Defender (PD II) in the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office in Wichita, Kansas.

The position of Senior Assistant Public Defender is for attorneys with a preferred minimum of 5 years of experience. Attorneys at this level have demonstrated the ability to independently handle all severity level of cases and the most complex matters with supervision. Will represent adults charged with criminal felonies in their local district court jurisdiction who are deemed indigent and unable to afford to hire an attorney.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
The Public Defender II will possess advanced litigation skills, and are proficient at comprehensive motions practice. Attorneys at this level are capable of litigating all severity level cases and regularly are involved in complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues within their office.

Public Defender II exhibit an outstanding dedication to the Public Defender system and its clients. Public Defender II are capable of assuming informal leadership roles within their office in any areas of practice, including acting as a support for their office management team, and/or assisting with the professional development of less experienced attorneys and staff.

When called upon by their Chief Public Defender, Public Defender II must assume additional responsibilities in assisting with the development, guidance of others, and/or filling agency-wide, administrative office-defined needs. These attorneys maintain the highest standards of professionalism, inspire others, and take active steps to create a positive, safe, and supportive office culture.

Qualifications:
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

Licensing & Certification

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have exceptional communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form.
• Ability to use all necessary electronic devices including computers, e-filing systems, as well as case management systems.
• Ability to coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
• Must have appropriate time management skills and organizational skills and demonstrate proficiency of avoiding unnecessary delays in client's cases through appropriate preparation and planning.
• Must be able to process, organize and manage complex litigation.
• Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must be able to effectively interact with clients, co-workers and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must be academically curious about criminal law and procedure.
• Must be able to treat every client, witness and colleague with dignity and respect without exception.
• Must demonstrate an on-going commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Occasional travel to other work locations including courts and jail.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in criminal defense or other comparable legal practice