Assistant Appellate Defense Attorney

State of Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced appellate attorney to join our team as a lateral hire and play a critical role in shaping Utah's criminal law, ensuring that people’s constitutional right to appeal is protected. As an Assistant Appellate Defense Attorney, you will manage a caseload of approximately 15-18 appeals per year, reporting to and assisting the Criminal Appeals Division Head. In this fast-paced and dynamic office, you will be on the front lines of challenging complex legal landscape shifts—from fighting unconstitutional sentences, improper propensity evidence, and unlawful seizures to ensuring every client receives the effective assistance of counsel, impartial juries, and accurate jury instructions.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Must be an active member in good standing of the Utah Bar (or active in another state bar and eligible for admission by motion into the Utah Bar).
Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and a deep interest in indigent defense.
Must understand the requirements for appellate representation in the adult criminal legal system in Utah, with a proven ability to navigate complex preservation hurdles by skillfully arguing plain error, structural error, and the exceptional circumstances doctrine.
3+ years of appellate practice required.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling oral arguments before Utah’s appellate courts and mooting co-workers on the same is preferred.
Appellate clerkship, Law Review experience, and fluency in Spanish are considered major pluses.

Responsibilities

Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the appellate proceeding.
Prepare adult criminal appeals by conducting legal research, reviewing case files and court records, and meeting with clients (you may also be asked to assist in juvenile delinquency, child welfare, and postconviction appeals).
Litigate Rule 4(f) (Manning) motions in the district court to reinstate deprived appellate rights, and draft Rule 23B motions to develop factual records for ineffective assistance of counsel claims.
Ensure clients are consistently heard, respected, and represented without judgment.
Draft appellate briefs and petitions for writ of certiorari, and argue cases before the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court.
Collaborate with your peers by editing and reviewing appellate briefs filed by other attorneys in the office.
Assist the Division in drafting amicus briefs.
Help develop and implement continuing legal education (CLE) training for trial and appellate attorneys around the state regarding criminal law, criminal procedure, and appellate strategy.