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.

Trial Attorney Iii
Under Direction, the Trial Attorney Iii Defends Clients in Low-Level Felony, Criminal, and Delinquency Cases, Including Burglary and Drug Possession Cases; Child Protective Act Cases; and Felony Specialty Court Proceedings and Does Related Work as Required. Attorneys at This Level Are Expected to Exercise a High Degree of Independent Judgment in Handling Assigned Cases.

Example of Duties:

Represent Clients in Low-Level Felony, Criminal, and Delinquency Cases, Including Burglary and Drug Possession Cases; Child Protective Act Cases; and Felony Specialty Court Proceedings;
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 as Required;
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;
Provide Guidance and Mentorship to Less Experienced Attorneys as Needed;
Stay Current on Relevant Laws, Legal Precedents, and Procedural Changes Through Continuing Legal Education and Training;
Prepare or Oversee the Drafting of Motions, Briefs, Memoranda, Pleadings and Other Legal Papers;
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 Make 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.
1-2 Years of Experience as A Practicing Attorney or A 1–2-Year Judicial Clerkship.

Preferred Qualifications:
At Least 3 Years of Experience Practicing Criminal Law.

Trial Attorney Iv
Position & Responsibilities
Under Direction, the Trial Attorney Iv Represents Clients in Serious Felony, Criminal, and Delinquency Cases, Including Sexual Assault, Rape, Lewd and Lascivious Cases, and Homicides as Well as Juveniles Being Tried in Adult Court and Does Related Work as Required. Attorneys Will Be Required to Handle Their Assignments Independently, with Minimal Supervision.

Example of Duties:

Represent Clients in Serious Felony, Criminal, and Delinquency Cases, Including Sexual Assault, Rape, Lewd and Lascivious Cases, and Homicides as Well as Juveniles Being Tried in Adult Court;
Conduct Client Interviews, 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 as Required;
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;
May Be Asked to Train, Supervise, or Oversee Other Attorneys;
Stay Current on Relevant Laws, Legal Precedents, and Procedural Changes Through Continuing Legal Education and Training;
Prepare or Oversee the Drafting of Motions, Briefs, Memoranda, Pleadings, and Other Legal Papers;
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 Make 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.
3-5 Years of Experience as A Practicing Attorney.

Preferred Qualifications:
At Least 5 Years of Experience Practicing Criminal Law.