Public Defender, (Trial Attorney 1-5)
The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency which provides trial representation to indigent criminal defendants pursuant to Idaho Code 19-6005, 19-6009 (effective 10/1/24). The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the state, including both juveniles and adults. The SPD values its employees and offers meaningful work that has a direct impact on citizens across the state. Additionally, the SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - American Falls, Boise, Burley, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Gooding, Hailey, Idaho Falls, Jerome, Mountain Home, Pocatello, Rigby, Sandpoint, Shoshone, St. Maries, and/or Twin Falls. Positions in Bonner, Bonneville, MiniCassia, Kootenai, and Twin Falls Counties are eligible for a $5,000 recruitment bonus for first-time State of Idaho employees!
Trial Attorney I Position & Responsibilities
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.
Example of duties:
- Represent clients in low-level misdemeanor, mental commitment hearings and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court ensuring effective legal defense through all stages of proceedings.
- Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to the district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level.
- Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action.
- Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate.
- Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials.
- Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically.
- Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision.
- Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training.
- Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents.
- Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles.
- Review and synthesize discovery.
- Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
- Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed.
- Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy.
- Practice vertical representation in all cases.
- Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
- Other duties as assigned.
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.
Trial Attorney II Position & Responsibilities
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.
Example of duties:
- Represent clients in all types of misdemeanor criminal and juvenile delinquency cases, ensuring effective legal defense through all stages of proceedings;
- Prepare and present legal arguments in appeals to district court, ensuring the legal rights of clients are protected at every level;
- Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action;
- Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines;
- Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate;
- Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required;
- Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically;
- Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision;
- Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys as needed;
- Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training;
- Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents;
- Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles;
- Review and synthesizes discovery;
- Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
- Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedule them for trial if needed;
- Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy;
- Practice vertical representation in all cases;
- Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
- Other duties as assigned.
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 12-year judicial clerkship.
Trial Attorney III Position & Responsibilities
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.
Example of duties:
- Represent clients in low level felony criminal and delinquency cases including burglary and drug possession cases; child protective act cases and felony specialty court proceedings;
- Develop case strategies, investigate facts, and review evidence to determine the best course of legal action;
- Draft and file necessary motions, briefs, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines;
- Negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements or case dismissals when appropriate;
- Appear in court to argue motions, represent clients at hearings, and conduct bench or jury trials as required;
- Collaborate with investigators, social workers, and expert witnesses to support the defense and address client needs holistically;
- Exercise independent judgment in managing caseloads and resolving legal issues with minimal supervision;
- Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys as needed;
- Stay current on relevant laws, legal precedents, and procedural changes through continuing legal education and training;
- Prepare or oversee the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers;
- Conduct legal research and analyses data and legal documents;
- Apply case law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence and Constitutional principles;
- Review and synthesize discovery;
- Interview clients early and frequently and make decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial;
- Determine the need for expert witnesses; locate appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed;
- Work in the Case Management System (CMS) to document case work and timekeeping in accordance with SPD policy;
- Practice vertical representation in all cases;
- Follow the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for defending attorneys delivering indigent defense; and
- Other duties as assigned.
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.