Assistant Public Defender (PDI)

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services in Olathe, Kansas, seeks an Assistant Public Defender (PD I) in the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office. The role is entry-level, with mentorship under senior attorneys and supervision by the Chief or Deputy Defender.

The office aims to rebuild a client-centered, collaborative public defense model. Qualifications include ABA-certified education, eligibility to take the Kansas bar in 2026, and active Kansas licensure.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Anticipate taking the bar exam in 2026.
• Licensure as an active attorney in good standing in Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Represent adults charged with criminal felonies in local district court.
• Develop fundamental trial skills and manage all aspects of caseload.

Education

ABA accredited law school

Anticipated bar exam 2026

Active Kansas licensure

Job description

Position Description

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

Open Position – Call for Applicants

Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender I)

Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office

Olathe, KS

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender (PD I) in the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office in Olathe, Kansas.

The position of Assistant Public Defender is for entry-level and developing attorneys. Attorneys at this level perform legal work under the mentorship of more experienced attorneys within the office and are supervised by the Chief Public Defender or designated Deputy Defender.

The Mission

The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS), through its regional public defender offices like the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. By supporting and elevating public defense in the State of Kansas, BIDS empowers its team to provide relentless representation and collaborative, holistic advocacy in service of client-centered outcomes.

The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is in the process of remaking its public defense model with a renewed emphasis on building public defense offices with an interdisciplinary team-based collaborative defense system that uses community connections and resources to better represent not just an individual’s case, but the client as a whole.

We are looking for dynamic, client-centered advocates who are passionate about the importance of public defense and are interesting in aiding our efforts to fundamentally rebuild our system and transform our offices into models of collaborative public defense practice.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Assistant Public Defenders represent adults charged with criminal felonies in their local district court jurisdiction who are deemed indigent and unable to afford to hire an attorney. Attorneys in this position are expected to develop fundamental trial skills in their practice, and become proficient in managing all aspects of their caseload.

Education

• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school.
• In addition to applications from more experienced attorneys, we will accept applications from candidates who anticipate taking the bar exam in 2026.

(Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire)

Licensing & Certification

• Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Requirements For This Position Include

• Must have exceptional communication skills.
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form.
• Must have the ability to use all necessary electronic devices including computers, e-filing systems, as well as case management systems.
• Must have the ability to coordinate with supporting personnel to provide client-centered, holistic representation.
• Must have appropriate time management skills and organizational skills and demonstrate proficiency of avoiding unnecessary delays in client’s cases through appropriate preparation and planning.
• Must be able to process, organize and manage complex litigation.
• Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must be able to effectively interact with clients, co-workers and other colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must be academically curious about criminal law and procedure.
• Must be able to treat every client, witness and colleague with dignity and respect without exception.
• Must demonstrate an on-going commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Occasional travel to other work locations including courts and jail.

Salary And Benefits

Compensation for this position (Public Defender I) starts at $62,500.00 – $65,000.00. Salary may vary depending upon experience or qualifications.

The State Of Kansas Employment Benefits Package Includes

• First day of employment comprehensive coverage under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) for medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision Tax advantage

accounts are available and include options such as a Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Additional voluntary benefits including Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
• SEHP members and their covered family members have access to the HealthQuest Health Center at 9th and Kansas Avenue in Topeka for in person and virtual health care services
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: paid parental leave, military leave, jury leave, and funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Application Materials Needed

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• List of three professional references
• If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, please also include your DD214

If You Have Any Further Questions Please Contact

Shawn Keeling

Human Resources Professional, Administration Office

State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

[e-mail]

Application deadline: Applications considered on a rolling basis, open until filled.

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.

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate Required

Each applicant (even non-residents) applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain and submit a valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter to the hiring agency by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/default.aspx. A Tax Clearance Certificate is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual’s account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact 785-296-3199 or by email at [e-mail].

How To Claim Veterans Preference

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.

Advertised by Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.