Appellate Public Defender 1

State of Iowa•Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited law school.
Possess a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa prior to commencing employment.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

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.