Trial Attorney, Multiple Positions

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is seeking applicants for multiple Trial Attorney positions in the Twin Falls County office. The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults. The SPD values its employees and offers meaningful work that has a direct impact on citizens across the state. Additionally, the SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Multiple Positions Available, Full-Time (40 hours/week)

TRIAL ATTORNEY I - $90,000 Annually

Under close supervision, the Trial Attorney 1 defends clients in low-level misdemeanors; mental commitment hearings and fugitive warrant cases in magistrate court and does related work as required. This level is assigned to attorneys who have little to no previous criminal defense experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar membership in good standing or the ability to obtain Idaho State Bar licensure within 6 months. Individuals hired before ISB licensure must pass the bar on their first attempt and/or obtain ISB licensure within 6 months. Failure to pass the bar will result in termination.

TRIAL ATTORNEY II - $94,000 Annually

Under supervision, the Trial Attorney 2 defends clients in all types of misdemeanor criminal and delinquency cases, mental commitment hearings, child protective act cases, specialty court proceedings in magistrate court, and appeals to the district court and does related work as required. This level is assigned to attorneys with at least one year of experience in the practice of criminal law. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise independent judgment in handling assigned cases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar membership in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1-2 year judicial clerkship.

TRIAL ATTORNEY III - $102,000 Annually

Under direction, the Trial Attorney 3 defends clients in low level felony criminal and delinquency cases including burglary and drug possession cases; child protective act cases and felony specialty court proceedings and does related work as required. Attorneys at this level are expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in handling assigned cases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar membership in good standing.
• 1-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney or a 1-2 year judicial clerkship.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience practicing criminal law.

TRIAL ATTORNEY IV - $122,000 Annually

Under direction, the Trial Attorney IV represents clients in serious felony criminal and delinquency cases including sexual assault, rape, lewd and lascivious cases and homicides as well as juveniles being tried in adult court and does related work as required. Attorneys will be required to handle their assignments independently, with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Licensed to practice law, with Idaho State Bar membership in good standing.
• 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in the practice of criminal law.

BENEFITS

Best Retirement Available in The Nation

The State of Idaho has one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit. This position is PERSI Retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member - which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%.

Other Excellent Benefits

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/month for dental (full-time).
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start.
• Paid parental leave.
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan.
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.

Qualified applicants who would like to apply for any of these positions must submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) two references, and 4) a writing sample. Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website by clicking "Apply."

For assistance on your application, please contact Mariette Barcinas at Mariette.Barcinas@spd.idaho.gov.

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov. 

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. *Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.