Public Defender V

Third Judicial District Public Defender Office

Topeka, KS

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is accepting applications for the position of Chief Public Defender (PD V) in the Third Judicial District Public Defender Office in Topeka, Kansas.

The Chief Public Defender is the lead supervising attorney of the Third Judicial District Public Defender Office, which provides representation for indigent adult felony clients in Shawnee County and surrounding areas. The Chief Public Defenders of the Kansas public defense system are each leaders within the agency who consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the zealous and dignified representation of indigent defendants.

The Mission

The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, through its regional public defender offices like the Third Judicial District Public Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. Our mission is to provide a high quality, zealous defense for our clients in every case.

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is in the process of remaking its public defense model with a renewed emphasis on building public defense offices with an interdisciplinary team-based collaborative defense system that uses community connections and resources to better represent not just an individual’s case, but the client as a whole.

We are looking for a dynamic, client-centered leader who is passionate about the importance of public defense and is interested in aiding our efforts to fundamentally rebuild our system into a model of collaborative public defense practice. The public defender office in Shawnee County is an important part of our agency-wide efforts to fundamentally transform public defense across the entire state-wide system.

We are interested in candidates who believe in the importance of mentoring defenders in client-centered holistic defense practices, who appreciate the importance of developing connections with local community leaders, and who believe that every client and every employee is entitled to dignity and respect. Shawnee County and the Third Judicial District is a diverse community with stark economic differences, and this position requires an applicant who has experience working with economically and racially diverse populations.

The Chief of the Third Judicial District Public Defender Office is responsible for the overall management of the main Shawnee County area public defender office in partnership with the Deputy Public Defender. Specific responsibilities include personnel supervision, general office administration, hiring and discipline of personnel, coordination of periodic in-house trainings, ethical training and oversight, caseload management, case assignments, and all other areas necessary for the best representation possible for our clients. In order to effectively administer the office, Chief Public Defenders are expected to carry a reduced caseload.

• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school and licensed attorney who is active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment. Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire.

• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling major felonies preferred.
• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school and licensed attorney who is active and in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment. Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire.
• Must have demonstrated experience leading others.

• Must have exceptional communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.
• Ability to use all necessary electronic systems, including all required E-filing systems and records management systems, as well as case tracking databases.
• Must be able to effectively handle emergency or crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Must be able to process, organize, and manage complex litigation.
• Must possess exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must have demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients, employees, and colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and able to manage confidential information.
• Must be willing and able to treat every client, witness, employee, and colleague with dignity and respect.
• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to a client-centered practice.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Must be open to receiving training and the providing training to others.

• Prior or current service as a trial public defender.
• Prior administrative or supervisory experience.
• Prior service as a Chief or Deputy Defender.
• Prior experience handling personnel issues, including hiring and termination of employees and employee disciplinary issues.
• Experience developing or leading training programs.
• Experience creating and implementing new office policies.
• Ability to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the provision of quality criminal defense services to indigent clients.
• Experience and/or familiarity with holistic, client-centered public defense practices.
• Experience in community organizing and the development of local community connections and resources.
• Experience working with economically and racially diverse populations.

Please be aware that if an offer of employment is made, actual employment is subject to two pre-employment conditions which include:

• Confirmation of licensure as an active attorney in good standing the State of Kansas, or successful admission to the Kansas Bar, prior to start date.
• Governor’s salary approval.

Jared Harsin

Director of Human Resources

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

bidsrecruiter@sbids.org

When emailing application materials, please include “Third Judicial District Chief Application” in your email subject line.

Job Application Process:

Submit required documents to recruiter by email to be considered for the position.

bidsrecruiter@sbids.org

When emailing application materials, please include “Third Judicial District Chief Application” in your email subject line.