Assistant Appellate Defender — Criminal Appeals (Hybrid)

United Trading Group; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division (IADD) in Utah is seeking an Assistant Appellate Defense Attorney. The role handles a 15–18 appeal caseload annually, reporting to the Criminal Appeals Division Head.

Hybrid work requires two in-office days in Salt Lake City with occasional travel across the state. The ideal candidate has a J.D., 3+ years of appellate practice, strong advocacy skills, and fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active Utah Bar in good standing (or eligible for admission by motion).
• 3+ years of appellate practice required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to navigate preservation hurdles and argue plain error/structural error/exceptional circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Zealously advocate for clients at every stage of appellate proceedings.
• Prepare adult criminal appeals with research, file review, and client meetings (juvenile/delinquency/postconviction as needed).
• Litigate Rule 4(f) motions in district court to reinstate appellate rights; draft Rule 23B motions for records on ineffective assistance claims.
• Draft appellate briefs and petitions; argue before the Utah Court of Appeals and Utah Supreme Court.
• Edit and review briefs filed by colleagues; assist in amicus briefs; contribute to CLE training for trial and appellate attorneys.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Legal research

Spanish language

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Job description

Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division (IADD) in Utah is seeking an Assistant Appellate Defense Attorney. The role handles a 15–18 appeal caseload annually, reporting to the Criminal Appeals Division Head.

Hybrid work requires two in-office days in Salt Lake City with occasional travel across the state. The ideal candidate has a J.D., 3+ years of appellate practice, strong advocacy skills, and fluency in Spanish is a plus.