Job Description

ASSISTANT POST-CONVICTION 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 a line 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 has zealous representation in the post-conviction process.

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. The office is located in Salt Lake County with remote work possible. 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 post-conviction representation; Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected. Be non-judgmental and empathetic of clients who present with challenges and / or barriers

Manage docket of individuals seeking post-conviction relief through the PCRA

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.

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 criminal defense around the state in the field of post-conviction.

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.

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 Qualifications

At least five 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 post-conviction law in Utah. As IADD itself is relatively new and growing, this job presents the opportunity to both grow one’s own professional skills and capability, but also have a hand in shaping the office and indigent defense throughout the state.

The Indigent Appellate Defense Division

IADD’s mission is to protect and defend the rights and dignity of each of our clients through zealous, compassionate, and client-centered advocacy. IADD is statutorily mandated to provide defense services to indigent individuals throughout most of Utah, covering 24 of the state’s 29 counties, in the areas of adult criminal appeals, juvenile delinquency, and child welfare / parental termination. IADD also represents people in the post-conviction process statewide. IADD accomplishes this representation through its own staff attorneys and by contracting with independent private attorneys who have been qualified to provide vigorous assistance of counsel.