Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
Open Position – Call for Applicants
Chief Capital Public Defender (Public Defender V)
Capital Habeas Defender Office
Merriam, Kansas / Kansas City, Kansas
Chief Capital Public Defender (Public Defender V):
The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for the Chief Capital Public Defender position (PD V) in the Capital Habeas Defender Office in Merriam, Kansas. It is anticipated that the office will move to Kansas City, Kansas, in 2025/26.
The Chief Public Defender will be the lead supervising attorney of the Capital Habeas Defender Office. The Chief Public Defenders of the Kansas public defense system are each leaders within the agency who consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the zealous and dignified representation of indigent defendants.
Who We Are:
The Kansas Capital Habeas Office (KCHO) is a specialty office within the Kansas Public Defense system that represents individuals in capital state postconviction proceedings. Our team of highly dedicated attorneys and staff are able to identify inadequacies in the provision of legal assistance to clients charged with capital murder and challenge the fairness of the trial and appellate proceedings which delivered a sentence of death by lethal injection in the case. The office is based in Merriam, Kansas, and it is anticipated that the office will move to Kansas City, Kansas.
Responsibilities
The Chief of the Capital Habeas Defender Office is responsible for the overall management of the office in partnership with the Deputy Capital Public Defender. Specific responsibilities include direct personnel mentorship and supervision, general office administration, hiring and discipline of personnel, coordination of periodic in-house trainings, ethical training and oversight, caseload management, case assignments, and all other areas necessary for the best representation possible for our clients.
Additionally, this role will involve creating policies for the office in collaboration with the BIDS Administration Office and building training programs for the office in collaboration with the BIDS Training Division and Administration Office. In order to effectively administer the office, Chief Public Defenders are expected to carry a reduced caseload.
Salary and Benefits
Capital Public Defender V is the highest experienced defender position in our agency. Compensation for this position (Capital Public Defender V) ranges from $95,000.00 – $143,325.00. Salary may vary depending upon experience or qualifications. We are happy to discuss salary expectations with interested applicants.
The State of Kansas Employment Benefits Package includes:
• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs, parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Programs
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs
Please be aware that if an offer of employment is made, actual employment is subject to two pre-employment conditions which include:
• Confirmation of licensure as an active attorney in good standing the State of Kansas, or successful admission to the Kansas Bar, prior to start date.
• Governor’s salary approval.
Advertised by Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements for this position include:
• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling major felonies preferred.
• Experience with state or federal capital habeas/post conviction cases required.
• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school and licensed attorney who is active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment. Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire.
• Must have demonstrated experience leading others.
• Must have exceptional communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.
• Ability to use all necessary electronic systems, including all required E-filing systems and records management systems, as well as case tracking databases.
• Must be able to effectively handle emergency or crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Must be able to process, organize, and manage complex litigation.
• Must possess exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must have demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients, employees, and colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and able to manage confidential information.
• Must be willing and able to treat every client, witness, employee, and colleague with dignity and respect.
• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Must be open to receiving training and the providing training to others.
Highly preferred qualifications include:
• Prior or current service as a capital public defender.
• Prior administrative or supervisory experience.
• Prior service as a Chief or Deputy Defender.
• Prior experience handling personnel issues, including hiring and termination of employees and employee disciplinary issues.
• Experience developing or leading training programs.
• Experience creating and implementing new office policies.
• Ability to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the provision of quality criminal defense services to indigent clients.
• Experience and/or familiarity with holistic, client-centered public defense practices.
• Experience in community organizing and the development of local community connections and resources.
• Experience working with economically and racially diverse populations.
Application Materials Needed
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample
• List of three References
• If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, please also include your DD214.
Send resume, cover letter, writing sample, list of references, and DD214 (if applicable) by email to Shawn Keeling at [email protected]:
Shawn Keeling
Human Resources Professional, Administration Office
State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
[email protected]
When emailing application materials, please include “Capital Habeas Defender Office Chief Application” in your email subject line.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and positions are open until filled.
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