Public Defender V

Description:

Position Summary & Responsibilities:
Position Summary:
The Chief Public Defender will be the lead supervising attorney of the Reno County Public Defender Office, which will provide representation for indigent adult felony clients in Reno County. 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.

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. The Reno County is a diverse community with stark economic differences, and this position requires an applicant who has experience working with economically and racially diverse populations.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
The Chief of the Reno County Public Defender Office is responsible for the overall management of the main area Public Defender office in partnership with the Deputy Public Defender. Specific responsibilities include direct personnel mentorship and 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.
Additionally, this role will involve creating policies for the office in collaboration with the BIDS Administration Office, building training programs for the office in collaboration with the BIDS Training Division and Administration Office, and an emphasis on building relationships with stakeholders in Reno County. In order to effectively administer the office, Chief Public Defenders are expected to carry a reduced caseload.
Qualifications:
Education:

• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school
• Licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment

• Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas
• Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire.
• Must have a valid driver's license

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in criminal defense
• Experience handling major felonies

• Prior or current service as a trial-level 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.

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