Senior Assistant Appellate Defender; Public Defender II

Senior Assistant Appellate Defender (Public Defender II)

Join to apply for the Senior Assistant Appellate Defender (Public Defender II) role at National Legal Aid & Defender Association

The Kansas State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services (BIDS), through its regional public defender offices like the Appellate Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. BIDS empowers its team to provide relentless representation and collaborative, holistic advocacy in service of client‑centered outcomes.

• Represent adults convicted of felonies in appellate proceedings, developing motions and briefing practices.
• Litigate complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues with some assistance from senior attorneys.
• Engage in positive communications with clients, maintaining a profound understanding of relevant law.
• Advocate zealously on behalf of the poor, treating clients with dignity.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, collaborating with colleagues, clients, opposing counsel, and courts.
• Actively pursue additional learning opportunities to advance practice level.

• Attorney with a well‑developed appellate litigation practice or previous defense experience at the trial or post‑conviction stages.
• Advanced legal writing and research skills, with a comprehensive motions and briefing practice.
• Ability to litigate complex issues with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated compassion for clients and a commitment to client‑centered advocacy.

Compensation ranges from $70,000.00 to $85,000.00, varying by experience or qualifications.

• Comprehensive coverage under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) for medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision; tax‑advantaged accounts available.
• Additional voluntary benefits:
  Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance.
• Access to the Health Quest Health Center at 9th and Kansas Avenue in Topeka for in‑person and virtual health care services.
• Sick & vacation leave.
• Work‑life balance programs: paid parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave.
• Paid State holidays.
• Fitness center access in select locations.
• Employee discounts via STAR Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.

Actual employment is subject to two pre‑employment conditions: confirmation of licensure as an active attorney in good standing in Kansas and approval of the Governor’s salary.

• Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior
• Employment Type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job Function:
  Administrative
• Industry: Non‑profit Organization

Legal and EEO statements are required by law. This posting does not indicate that the position is expired.