Assistant Appellate Defense Attorney

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

27d•$54 - $63•Hybrid

About The Position

The Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division is seeking an experienced lateral-hire appellate attorney to protect indigent clients’ constitutional right to appeal and help shape Utah criminal law. The attorney will manage approximately 15–18 appeals per year and report to and assist the Criminal Appeals Division Head. The position focuses on adult criminal appeals, with possible work on juvenile delinquency, child welfare, and postconviction appeals. The role involves challenging complex legal issues, including unconstitutional sentences, improper propensity evidence, unlawful seizures, ineffective assistance of counsel, impartial juries, and inaccurate jury instructions. The attorney will provide zealous, compassionate, client-centered representation throughout appellate proceedings; research cases, review records, and meet with clients; litigate motions in district court; draft briefs, petitions, and motions; and argue cases before Utah’s appellate courts. The attorney will also review colleagues’ briefs, assist with amicus briefs, and help develop continuing legal education for attorneys statewide. This is a hybrid position requiring at least two days in the Salt Lake City office, participation in virtual and in-person meetings, and statewide travel. A criminal history check and a probationary period are required.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing of the Utah Bar, or active membership in another state bar and eligibility for admission to the Utah Bar by motion.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Deep interest in indigent defense.
Understanding of requirements for appellate representation in Utah’s adult criminal legal system.
Proven ability to navigate complex preservation hurdles by skillfully arguing plain error, structural error, and the exceptional circumstances doctrine.
At least 3 years of appellate practice.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling oral arguments before Utah’s appellate courts.
Experience mooting co-workers for oral arguments.
Appellate clerkship.
Law Review experience.
Fluency in Spanish.
At least 5 years of active appellate defense experience is required to qualify for the high end of the salary range.

Responsibilities

Advocate zealously and compassionately for clients at every stage of appellate proceedings.
Prepare adult criminal appeals through legal research, review of case files and court records, and client meetings; may also assist with juvenile delinquency, child welfare, and postconviction appeals.
Litigate Rule 4(f) (Manning) motions in district court to reinstate deprived appellate rights.
Draft Rule 23B motions to develop factual records for ineffective assistance of counsel claims.
Ensure clients are heard, respected, and represented without judgment.
Draft appellate briefs and petitions for writ of certiorari.
Argue cases before the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court.
Edit and review appellate briefs filed by other attorneys in the office.
Assist the Division in drafting amicus briefs.
Help develop and implement continuing legal education training for trial and appellate attorneys statewide on criminal law, criminal procedure, and appellate strategy.