Appellate Defense Counsel

Oklahoma State Government; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous state benefit allowance

Wide choice of insurance plans

Life/Supplemental Life/Disability

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance program

Vacation and sick leave

11 paid holidays

Retirement Savings Plan with matching

Longevity Bonus

Job summary

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) in Norman is seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel. You will handle direct appeals in capital and non-capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, delivering rigorous legal representation.

Minimum qualifications include a Juris Doctorate and active Oklahoma Bar membership; travel may be required. This is a full-time role with competitive benefits within the State of Oklahoma.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and active Oklahoma Bar membership or eligibility to sit for the Bar.
• Experience handling direct appellate litigation, including capital and non-capital cases.
• Strong skills in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Travel may be required for case work and appearances.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of the direct appeal process for assigned cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.
• Deliver effective legal representation and advocacy in appellate proceedings.
• Coordinate litigation activities and ensure compliance with appellate procedures and deadlines.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Interviewing clients

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Job Posting Title

Appellate Defense Counsel

Agency

047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM

Supervisory Organization

Okla Indigent Defense System

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Minimum annual salary is $68,700. Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.

Job Description

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel in our Appellate East Division in our Norman office.

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are responsible for all phases of the direct appeal of assigned capital and/or non‑capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The position is responsible for all phases of the direct appeal process and the delivery of legal representation in the assigned cases and management of all phases of the appellate litigation process.

Level Descriptor

Positions may be filled at Levels I ‑ VI, depending on candidate experience.

Minimum annual salary is $68,700. Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of Oklahoma state court system; conducting legal research; civil and criminal law and procedure; effective oral and written communication; interviewing client, witnesses, and other parties; investigative processes and procedures; and court proceedings to avoid legal error.

Ability is required to prepare or assist in the preparation of legal documents for assigned cases.

Education and Experience

Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.

Special Requirements

• Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct

• Job‑related travel may be required.

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

• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre‑existing condition exclusions or limitations

• 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 the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)

• 11 paid holidays

• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match

• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.