Appellate Defense Counsel
About The Position
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS), the statewide public defender agency serving indigent clients throughout Oklahoma except Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, is seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel for its Appellate East Division in the Norman office. Positions may be filled at Levels I–VI, depending on candidate experience. The role handles all phases of direct appeals of assigned capital and/or non-capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, including legal representation and management of appellate litigation. Applicants must hold a Juris Doctorate, be an active member in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar or eligible for admission, or be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. The position must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Job-related travel may be required.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate degree.
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, eligibility for admission, or a scheduled date to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam.
- Knowledge of the Oklahoma state court system, legal research, civil and criminal law and procedure, effective oral and written communication, interviewing clients, witnesses and other parties, investigative processes and procedures, and court proceedings to avoid legal error.
- Ability to prepare or assist in preparing legal documents for assigned cases.
- Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.
Responsibilities
- Manage cases through all phases of direct appeals before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, maintaining complete and accurate files of pleadings and orders.
- Conduct initial and ongoing legal research.
- Review court records, identify legal errors, and develop legal and factual arguments within the scope of appellate review.
- Review jury instructions and recommend changes when warranted.
- Record important trial testimony and evidence to establish the fact pattern and identify potential errors.
- Open or supervise the opening of new client files.
- Communicate with clients about case status and respond to reasonable requests for information.
- Direct or assist with preparing appeal briefs and pleadings.
- Investigate matters outside the trial record when required.
- Prepare for or assist with oral arguments as necessary or required.
- Prepare for or assist with appearing on a client’s behalf in district court as necessary or required.
- Supervise, consult on, or prepare petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in capital cases.
- Serve as co-counsel and provide ongoing advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys.
- Participate in peer review of attorney work product.
Benefits
- State-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
- Choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
- Life, supplemental life, dependent life, and disability insurance plans.
- Flexible spending accounts for health care or dependent care expenses.
- Employee assistance program and health and fitness programs.
- 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year for full-time employees, with amounts increasing with years of service.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement Savings Plan with a match.
- Longevity bonus for years of service.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
