Appellate Defense Counsel

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is a state agency responsible for implementing the Indigent Defense Act by providing trial, appellate and post-conviction criminal defense services to persons who have been judicially determined to be entitled to legal counsel.

OIDS is currently seeking an Appellate Defense Counsel in our Appellate Program, Norman office. The Appellate Program consists of two Divisions, both of which provide representation when appointed by state district courts to indigent clients in appeals to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Appointments arise from convictions resulting in incarceration or a death sentence at jury trial or bench trial, pleas of guilty or no contest, as well as probation revocation, acceleration, and drug court termination cases. The division also represents individuals appealing from certifications to stand trial as a youthful offender or as an adult, or denial of certification to be treated as a juvenile; appealing decisions to bridge individuals from the youthful offender system to the Department of Corrections; and appealing delinquency adjudications. In cases where a death sentence has been imposed, the Program assigns counsel from separate Divisions for the preparation of capital direct appeal briefing and oral argument and for the concurrent, statutory state post-conviction litigation. Counsel in both capital and non-capital cases direct investigation as necessary and must have the ability to work as part of a team.

Basic Purpose

The Attorney job focuses on all aspects of perfecting an appeal in the Court of Criminal Appeals; thorough review of the trial record; developing and implementing case theory and strategy; identifying legal issues; extensive research and analysis; drafting legal briefs and pleadings; conducting extra-record investigations as necessary; identification, selection, and preparation of expert witnesses as necessary; and, when ordered, appearing at evidentiary hearings at the district court level or oral argument before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.

Level Descriptor

Positions may be filled at Levels I - VIII, depending on candidate experience.

Education and Experience

Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree and active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma or be eligible for admission. No prior criminal appellate experience is required for this position although knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, and evidence is required. Experience in dealing with mental health issues is also desirable. Applicants with backgrounds in social work, social science, counseling, psychology, education, journalism, forensics, criminal investigation, or law enforcement are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Applicants should possess a desire to work in public interest law and advocate on behalf of indigent clients.
Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to argue effectively and persuasively in both written and oral form.
Applicants must be highly motivated and well-organized with the ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
Benefit Highlights

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include:

Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service
Method of Application

Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.

All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers – https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/okgovjobs).
Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/okgov/login.htmld. After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.