Assistant Appellate Defender

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Job location
700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 900
Topeka, KS 66603
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Kansas Appellate Defender Office
Street address: 
700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 900
City: 
Topeka
State: 
Kansas
ZIP: 
66603
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) created the Kansas Appellate Defender Office (ADO) in 1985 to represent people who cannot afford an attorney when they appeal from their felony convictions from any of the state’s 105 counties. We are counsel in the overwhelming majority of criminal cases decided by the Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals. Our practice areas are (1) non-capital felony appeals; (2) appeals from habeas corpus actions; (3) certain state’s appeals; and (4) appeals involving the prosecution of children as adults. When fully staffed, the ADO currently has 18 attorneys, 3 support staff, and 2 legal assistants. The office is located in Topeka, Kansas. Primary responsibilities are to:

• Analyze the record on appeal; recognize and research legal issues
• Write, edit, and review appellate briefs
• Advocate for clients at oral argument in front of the Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals
• Prepare docketing materials
• Draft motions and responses to court orders
• Maintain timely and positive communication with clients
• Maintain an understanding of relevant court rules, statutes, and caselaw

Requirements: 

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Kansas, or ability to promptly obtain such license
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Also must be able to track and meet deadlines; work on multiple cases at the same time; prioritize assignments; and remain organized
• Ability to positively provide and receive feedback, and to integrate that feedback into practice
• Ability to respectfully and successfully work with clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, and the courts

To apply: 

Please submit the following documents to Pat Lawless, Chief Appellate Defender, at [email protected]:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• Tax clearance certificate
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

For additional information on benefits, tax clearance certificate, uploading documents, DD214, and more, please visit https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs.

Notes: 
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Salary range: 
Salary: $57,683 to $72,638, depending on experience

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