Public Defender 1 - Appellate

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, life and vision ins.

IPERS retirement package

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

The State of Iowa is seeking an attorney to serve as Public Defender 1 in the Appellate Defender office in Des Moines, IA. You will handle appellate work for indigent clients and advise them through the appeal process.

Responsibilities include drafting briefs, motions, and presenting oral arguments before appellate courts, with training and mentoring provided as part of a strong public service culture.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Current license to practice law in the State of Iowa.
• Supreme Court admission may be required.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients on appeal.
• Draft appellate briefs and motions in support of an appeal.
• Present oral arguments before state and federal appellate courts.
• Research trial court records and conduct extensive legal analysis for appeals.
• Advise clients and communicate progress at all stages of the appeal.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Bar admission in Iowa

Job description

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service? The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic attorney to serve as an Public Defender 1 in our Appellate Defender office located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Who We Are

The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

What You’ll Do

As a Public Defender attorney in this position, you will:

• Receive training and mentoring from experienced and well-respected attorneys with valuable appellate experience.
• Perform entry-level professional legal work representing indigent clients on appeal in cases where the State Appellate Defender’s Office has been appointed as counsel.
• Conduct thorough review of the client trial court records and perform extensive legal research to prepare the appeal in assigned cases to determine the merits of the cases and appropriate courses of action.
• Draft appellate briefs, motions for further review, and other motions or documents in support of an appeal.
• Present oral arguments in assigned cases before the Iowa Court of Appeals, the Iowa Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
• Advise and communicate with clients at all stages of the appeal and respond to clients in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned to further support public defender offices may also be required.

This is a non-merit position for the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and possess a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa prior to commencing employment in positions in this job classification. Admission to the United States Supreme Court may be required.

What We Offer

When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• On the job training by dedicated, experienced professionals.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center.

Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us!

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.