Public Defender (Trial Attorney 1-5)

**Hiring in Multiple Locations!**

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is hiring for various trial attorney positions throughout the state. Positions are classified as Trial Attorney 1 through Trial Attorney 5. Full job descriptions, including examples of duties, are available on the State of Idaho's website linked in this job post. The SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Salary Range: $43.27-63.46/hr., depending on position

Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - Boise, Pocatello, Hailey,  Sandpoint ,  Idaho Falls , Caldwell,  Burley , Gooding, Rigby,  Coeur d'Alene , American Falls, Jerome, Shoshone, Mountain Home, St. Maries, and/or  Twin Falls .

**Positions in Bonner, Bonneville, Mini/Cassia, Kootenai, and Twin Falls Counties are eligible for a $5,000 recruitment bonus for first-time State of Idaho employees!**

Trial Attorney I

Under close supervision, the Trial Attorney I defends clients in low-level misdemeanors; mental commitment hearings and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court and does related work as required. This level is assigned to attorneys who have little to no previous criminal defense experience.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Trial Attorney I is distinguished from the class of Trial Attorney II in that incumbents of that class work under general supervision in exercising and performing more complex cases in magistrate court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing or the ability to obtain Idaho State Bar licensure within 6 months. Individuals hired before ISB licensure must pass the bar on their first attempt and/or obtain ISB licensure within 6 months. Failure to pass the bar will result in termination.

Trial Attorney II

Under supervision, the Trial Attorney II defends clients in all types of misdemeanor criminal and delinquency cases, mental commitment hearings, child protective act cases, specialty court proceedings in magistrate court, and appeals to the district court and does related work as required.

This level is assigned to attorneys with at least one year of experience in the practice of criminal law. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise independent judgment in handling assigned cases.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Trial Attorney II is distinguished from the next lower class of Trial Attorney I in that the latter is an entry-level class and requires the incumbent to work under close supervision. It is distinguished from the class of Trial Attorney III which requires the incumbent to use greater independent judgment in performing assigned duties in felony cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law. 
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1–2-year judicial clerkship.

Trial Attorney II

Under direction, the Trial Attorney III defends clients in low level felony criminal and delinquency cases including burglary and drug possession cases; child protective act cases and felony specialty court proceedings and does related work as required. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in handling assigned cases.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Trial Attorney III is expected to handle less serious felony cases. This class works under direction and is expected to use independent judgment in carrying out assignments. This class differs from the next lower class of Trial Attorney II in that the latter works under closer supervision and is not assigned the range and complexity of felony cases normally assigned to Trial Attorney III. The Trial Attorney III differs from Trial Attorney IV in that the latter is assigned to defend more serious and complex felony cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing.
• 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1–2-year judicial clerkship.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience practicing criminal law.

Trial Attorney IV

Under direction, the Trial Attorney IV represents clients in serious felony criminal and delinquency cases including sexual assault, rape, lewd and lascivious cases and homicides as well as juveniles being tried in adult court and does related work as required. Attorneys will be required to handle their assignments independently, with minimal supervision.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Trial Attorney IV is expected to handle complex cases, and may train and oversee the work of less experienced staff. Supervisory responsibilities may be assigned. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Trial Attorney III in that incumbents in this class are assigned more complex non-capital felony cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing.
• 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in the practice of criminal law.

Trial Attorney V

The Trial Attorney V has the ability to represent clients in the most serious capital cases including the ability to develop and present capital mitigation. Attorneys will be required to lead and direct a team of investigators, experts and mitigation specialists.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Trial Attorney V handles the most complex cases and may train and oversee the work of less experienced staff. Supervisory responsibilities may be assigned. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Trial Attorney IV in that incumbents in this class may be assigned capital cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar Association membership in good standing.
• 5 – 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in the practice of criminal law.

Benefits

Best Retirement Available in The Nation

The State of Idaho has one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit. This position is PERSI Retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member - which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%.

Other Excellent Benefits

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/month for dental (full-time).
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start.
• Paid parental leave.
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan.
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants who would like to apply must submit the following: 1)  cover letter , 2)  resume , 3)  two references , and 4)  a writing sample . Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website, https://statecareers.idaho.gov/, and not directly to the agency. 

For assistance on your application, please contact Mariette Barcinas at Mariette.Barcinas@spd.idaho.gov.

EEO/ADA/Veteran

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov. 

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. *Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.