Overview
Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Shawnee, USA at The State of Kansas
Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (SBIDS)
Our mission is to fulfill the constitutional promise of a zealous defense by providing our clients with team-based advocacy that champions their human dignity and achieves just outcomes on their behalf.
- Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
- Full/Part-time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
- Veterans’ Preference Eligible: No
Compensation
Note:
Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
- Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
- Sick & Vacation leave
- Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
- Retirement and deferred compensation programs
The Public Defender I is for entry-level, 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.
We are looking for dynamic, client-centered advocates who are passionate about the importance of public defense and are interested in aiding our efforts to fundamentally rebuild our system and transform our offices into models of collaborative public defense practice.
Job Responsibilities
Public Defender I 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.
Qualifications Education
- Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school
- Licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment
- Candidates who anticipate taking the bar exam in 2026 will be considered
Licensing & Certification
- Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Minimum Qualifications
- 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.
- Mailing Address
: 700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 500 Topeka, KS 66603
Job Application Process
- Resume
- Writing sample
- List of three professional references
Ensure you upload all required documents during the application process.
If you have any further questions please contact:
Shawn Keeling
Human Resources Professional, Administration Office
Final date to receive applications:
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, open until filled.
Helpful Resources .gov:
How to Search for a Job – Instructions
Required documents for this application to be complete:
Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate…
Title: Assistant Public Defender
Company: The State of Kansas
Location: Shawnee, USA
Category:
