Job Title: Public Defender (Trial Attorney III)
Job Responsibilities:
- Defend clients in low-level felony criminal and delinquency cases, including burglary and drug possession cases, child protective act cases, and felony specialty court proceedings.
- Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action.
- Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate.
- Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required.
- Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically.
- Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys as needed.
- Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training.
- Prepare or oversee the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers.
- Conduct legal research and analyze data and legal documents.
- Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, and Constitutional principles.
- Review and synthesize discovery.
- Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
- Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed.
- Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document casework and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy.
- Practice vertical representation in all cases.
- Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
- Juris Doctorate (.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
- Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing.
- 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1–2-year judicial clerkship.
- Preferred: At least 3 years of experience practicing criminal law.
Salary Information:
- Minimum Salary: per hour.
- Maximum Salary: Not specified ( indicates no upper limit provided).
- Pay Rate Type: Hourly.
Benefits:
- Best Retirement Available in The Nation: The State of Idaho offers one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that provides a lifetime benefit.
- Other Excellent Benefits:
- Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision and for dental (full-time).
- Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as employment starts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Eleven paid holidays per year.
- Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan.
- Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Wellness Programs.
Location:
- Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter: Boise, Pocatello, Hailey, Sandpoint, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Burley, Gooding, Rigby, Coeur d'Alene, American Falls, and/or Twin Falls.
Application Process:
- Qualified applicants who wish to apply for this position must submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) two references, and 4) a writing sample.
- Application materials must be submitted no later than June 23, 2025.
- Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website.
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
- The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
- The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in the recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate department.
- Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.
Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
