Appellate Defense Counsel

Job Posting Title

Appellate Defense Counsel

Agency

047 INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM

Supervisory Organization

Okla Indigent Defense System

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

October 12, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Salary commensurate with qualifications and within agency salary schedule.

Job Description

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel in our Appellate West Division in our Norman office. 

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are responsible for all phases of the direct appeal of assigned capital and/or non-capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.  The position is responsible for all phases of the direct appeal process and the delivery of legal representation in the assigned cases and management of all phases of the appellate litigation process. 

Typical Functions

• Performs case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. This includes maintaining complete and accurate files of all pleadings and orders
• Performs initial and on-going legal research
• Reviews court records to identify legal error and develop legal and factual arguments within the wide scope of appellate review Reviews court records to identify error and develop issues and provide arguments within the wide scope of appellate review.
• Reviews jury instructions and makes appropriate recommendations for change if warranted
• Makes note of important testimony/evidence admitted during trial to establish fact pattern and identify potential errors.
• Opens or supervises the opening of new client files
• Communicates with client concerning status of the case and comply with reasonable requests for information
• Directs or assists in appeal briefs and pleadings
• Investigates matters outside the trial record when required.
• Prepares or assists in the presentations of oral arguments as necessary or when required
• Prepares for or assists in the preparation to appear on the client’s behalf in district court as necessary or when required
• Supervises, consults on, or prepares petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in capital cases.
• Serves as Co-counsel and provides ongoing advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys
• Participates in peer review of all attorney work product.

Level Descriptor

Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule.   

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of Oklahoma state court system; conducting legal research; civil and criminal law and procedure; effective oral and written communication; interviewing client, witnesses, and other parties; investigative processes and procedures; and court proceedings to avoid legal error.

Ability is required to prepare or assist in the preparation of legal documents for assigned cases.

Education and Experience

Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission.  Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. 

• Level I: < 3 years of relevant criminal litigation experience.
• Level II: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 1+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level III: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 2+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level IV: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 3+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level V: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 4+ years criminal trial experience.
• Level VI: 3+ years of relevant criminal litigation experience with 5+ years criminal trial experience.

Special Requirements

• Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct
• Job related travel may be required.

Benefit Highlights

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents.  Benefits Include:

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
• Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
• 11 paid holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Method of Application

Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.

• All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers – https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/okgovjobs).
• Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/okgov/login.htmld. After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.