Trial Attorney 1 - Ada County

Closing Date: 31st August, 2026

Description:

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) provides holistic legal representation meeting the highest ethical and professional standards to protect the rights of people who cannot afford to retain counsel. The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults.

Vision Statement
A Fair and Just Legal Defense System that Values the Humanity and Dignity of All.

Special Notification: This Position Is a Non-Classified Position and Is Exempt from Classified State Service and The Rules of The Division of Human Resources and The Idaho Personnel Commission.

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 Makes 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; And
• 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.

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