Appellate Defense Counsel (Norman)

State of Oklahoma

About The Position

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel in our Appellate East Division in our Norman office. Basic Purpose Positions in this job family are responsible for all phases of the direct appeal of assigned capital and/or non-capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The position is responsible for all phases of the direct appeal process and the delivery of legal representation in the assigned cases and management of all phases of the appellate litigation process.

Requirements

Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission.
Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
Level I: < 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
Level II: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience.
Level III: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience.
Level IV: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience.
Level V: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience.
Level VI: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience.
Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct
Job related travel may be required.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of Oklahoma state court system; conducting legal research; civil and criminal law and procedure; effective oral and written communication; interviewing client, witnesses, and other parties; investigative processes and procedures; and court proceedings to avoid legal error.
Ability is required to prepare or assist in the preparation of legal documents for assigned cases.

Responsibilities

Performs case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. This includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
Performs initial and on-going legal research
Reviews court records to identify legal error and develop legal and factual arguments within the wide scope of appellate review
Reviews court records to identify error and develop issues and provide arguments within the wide scope of appellate review.
Reviews jury instructions and makes appropriate recommendations for change if warranted
Makes note of important testimony/evidence admitted during trial to establish fact pattern and identify potential errors.
Opens or supervises the opening of new client files
Communicates with client concerning status of the case and comply with reasonable requests for information
Directs or assists in appeal briefs and pleadings
Investigates matters outside the trial record when required.
Prepares or assists in the presentations of oral arguments as necessary or when required
Prepares for or assists in the preparation to appear on the client’s behalf in district court as necessary or when required
Supervises, consults on, or prepares petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in capital cases.
Serves as Co-counsel and provides ongoing advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys
Participates in peer review of all attorney work product.

Benefits

Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume