Chief Capital Appellate Defender (PD V)

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 146,908; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

Fitness center access

Employee discounts

Job summary

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association is seeking a Chief Capital Appellate Defender in Topeka, Kansas, to lead the Capital Appellate Defender Office. This position is critical in providing high-quality defense for clients facing capital charges as it involves supervising attorneys, managing office operations, and advocating for justice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate significant experience in capital defense and possess the skills necessary to mentor staff and manage caseloads effectively. The compensation ranges from $95,000 to $146,908 depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Must hold a law degree and be licensed to practice in Kansas.
• Experience supervising legal staff is required.
• Strong understanding of capital defense law and practices is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operations of the Capital Appellate Defender Office.
• Mentor and supervise a team of attorneys and legal assistants.
• Handle personnel matters including hiring and training.
• Collaborate on policy creation with BIDS Administration Office.

Skills

Supervision of attorneys

Case management

Ethical training

Policy creation

Education

Licensed attorney in Kansas

Experience in capital defense

Job description

Position Description

Chief Capital Appellate Defender (PD V):

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for the position of Chief Capital Appellate Defender position (PD V) in the Capital Appellate Defender Office in Topeka, Kansas.

The Chief Capital Defender will be the lead supervising attorney of the Capital Appellate Defender Office. The Chief Capital 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 Capital Appellate Defender Office (CADO) is a close-knit office operating in the Kansas Public Defense system consisting of three attorneys and a legal assistant. Our mission is to provide high-quality, client-centered, zealous appellate advocacy for people sentenced to death or convicted of capital crimes, and other high-level felony appeals. The office is based in Topeka, Kansas.

Responsibilities

The Chief of the Capital Appellate Defender Office is responsible for the overall management of the office. 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

Chief Capital Appellate Defender V is the highest experienced defender position in our agency. Compensation for this position ranges from $95,000.00 – $146,908.12. Salary may vary depending upon experience or qualifications.

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