State of Oklahoma
Appellate Defense Counsel
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel in our Appellate West Division in our Norman office. Positions in this job family are responsible for all phases of the direct appeal of assigned capital and/or non-capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The position is responsible for all phases of the direct appeal process and the delivery of legal representation in the assigned cases and management of all phases of the appellate litigation process. Typical functions include: Performing case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Performing initial and on-going legal research. Reviewing court records to identify legal error and develop legal and factual arguments within the wide scope of appellate review. Reviewing jury instructions and making appropriate recommendations for change if warranted. Making note of important testimony/evidence admitted during trial to establish fact pattern and identify potential errors. Opening or supervising the opening of new client files. Communicating with client concerning status of the case and comply with reasonable requests for information. Directing or assisting in appeal briefs and pleadings. Investigating matters outside the trial record when required. Preparing or assisting in the presentations of oral arguments as necessary or when required. Preparing for or assisting in the preparation to appear on the client's behalf in district court as necessary or when required. Supervising, consulting on, or preparing petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in capital cases. Serving as co-counsel and providing ongoing advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys. Participating in peer review of all attorney work product. Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience. Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule. Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of Oklahoma state court system; conducting legal research; civil and criminal law and procedure; effective oral and written communication; interviewing client, witnesses, and other parties; investigative processes and procedures; and court proceedings to avoid legal error. Ability is required to prepare or assist in the preparation of legal documents for assigned cases. Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Job related travel may be required. The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits include: Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums. Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations. Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care. Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs. 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service). 11 paid holidays. Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match. Longevity Bonus for years of service. Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application. All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers). Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account. The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Appellate Defense Counsel in our Appellate West Division in our Norman office. Positions in this job family are responsible for all phases of the direct appeal of assigned capital and/or non-capital cases before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The position is responsible for all phases of the direct appeal process and the delivery of legal representation in the assigned cases and management of all phases of the appellate litigation process. Typical functions include: Performing case management activities at all phases of the direct appeal in the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Performing initial and on-going legal research. Reviewing court records to identify legal error and develop legal and factual arguments within the wide scope of appellate review. Reviewing jury instructions and making appropriate recommendations for change if warranted. Making note of important testimony/evidence admitted during trial to establish fact pattern and identify potential errors. Opening or supervising the opening of new client files. Communicating with client concerning status of the case and comply with reasonable requests for information. Directing or assisting in appeal briefs and pleadings. Investigating matters outside the trial record when required. Preparing or assisting in the presentations of oral arguments as necessary or when required. Preparing for or assisting in the preparation to appear on the client's behalf in district court as necessary or when required. Supervising, consulting on, or preparing petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in capital cases. Serving as co-counsel and providing ongoing advice, assistance, and support to other attorneys. Participating in peer review of all attorney work product. Positions may be filled at Levels I - VI, depending on candidate experience. Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule. Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of Oklahoma state court system; conducting legal research; civil and criminal law and procedure; effective oral and written communication; interviewing client, witnesses, and other parties; investigative processes and procedures; and court proceedings to avoid legal error. Ability is required to prepare or assist in the preparation of legal documents for assigned cases. Applicants should possess a Juris Doctorate degree, active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission. Or applicants should be scheduled to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. Must abide by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Job related travel may be required. The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits include: Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums. Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations. Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care. Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs. 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service). 11 paid holidays. Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match. Longevity Bonus for years of service. Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application. All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers). Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account. The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.