Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division - Post-Conviction Defense Attorney
The Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division (IADD), within the Office of Indigent Defense Services, represents indigent people filing post-conviction petitions in Utah state courts under the Post-Conviction Remedies Act (PCRA). IADD is seeking an attorney to join the division who will focus on representing indigent clients with their post-conviction cases. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of Utah’s only statewide public defense office as it seeks to ensure every indigent person seeking post-conviction relief has zealous representation.
The attorney hired in this role will report to the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Division and will be responsible for, but not limited to, primarily handling post-conviction petitions and appeals. The attorney will litigate at trial and appellate levels. Work will be primarily remote, but the office is located in Salt Lake County with occasional in-person meetings. Travel throughout the state and to correctional facilities is required, as is in-court appearances to litigate cases in the trial and appellate courts.
Principal Duties:
Represent the best interest of the client in all stages of appellate representation; Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected. Be non-judgmental and empathetic of clients who present with challenges and/or barriers.
Be responsible for all aspects of caseload assigned, including but not limited to court filings–motions, pleadings, petitions, appellate briefs, and petitions for writ of certiorari; argue cases in district courts throughout Utah, and to the Utah Court of Appeals and Utah Supreme Court.
Manage docket of individuals seeking post-conviction relief through the PCRA Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.
Prepare post-conviction cases through investigation; legal research; review of case files, police reports, discovery, and court records; conduct evidentiary and other needed hearings; work with investigators and experts, when required.
Meet with clients and maintain consistent communication with clients on a regular basis Keep abreast of recent legislation related to the post-conviction process and work with the Chief and Deputy Chief in any efforts to help shape relevant post-conviction procedures. Help with oversight of private attorneys handling post-conviction cases on a contract basis with IADD.
Assist with the development and implementation of training for trial and appellate attorneys around the state in the field of post-conviction.
Salary: $78,520.00 - $84,240.00 Annually
Benefits: The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: Benefits. To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click HERE.
Minimum Qualifications
J.D. from an accredited law school.
Active member in good standing of the Utah Bar or active membership in good standing of another state bar and eligible for admission by motion into the Utah Bar pursuant to Rule 14-705. [Note - you do not have to currently live in Utah to apply; but you must be eligible to waive into the the Utah bar if hired]
An interest in public defense and the post-conviction process
Excellent legal research, oral advocacy, and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Well-organized with a demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Ideal Candidate
At least two years experience post-graduation from law school, with experience in public defense at either the trial, appellate, or post-conviction level OR at least one year experience in a trial or appellate clerkship.
A proven understanding of the requirements for representation in post-conviction cases Fluency in Spanish a plus
Why you should join our team
The Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division is a fast-paced, dynamic office staffed with a hard-working passionate team with diverse experiences and expertise. Working in this office will give you direct hands-on- experience, and allow you the opportunity to play a critical role in shaping the child welfare/parental rights law of Utah. This is a job with the capacity to grow with your professional skills, capabilities, and commitment.
Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, and at least one writing sample. Cover letters should be addressed to Debra M. Nelson, Chief Attorney, IADD. You must have a JD to apply.
Questions can be emailed to IADD@utah.gov