Senior Assistant Capital Defender (Capital Defender II)

Position Overview

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services is seeking a Senior Assistant Capital Defender (Capital Defender II) for the Capital Habeas Defender Office based in Kansas City, KS. This role targets attorneys with preferably at least 3 years of experience, capable of independently managing all case severity levels and the most complex matters under supervision.

About the Office

The Kansas Capital Habeas Office operates within the Kansas Public Defense system specializing in representation for individuals sentenced to death after trial. The office is dedicated to ensuring quality legal assistance in capital cases, scrutinizing the fairness of trial and appellate procedures leading to death sentences.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications

Senior Assistant Capital Defenders possess advanced litigation skills, including comprehensive motion practice, and handle increasingly complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to client-centered defense and may take informal leadership roles, supporting office management and mentoring junior attorneys and staff. Additional responsibilities may include agency-wide administrative duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active and good standing licensure as an attorney in the State of Kansas at employment start.
• Preferred minimum of 3 years of criminal defense or comparable legal experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with electronic devices, e-filing, and case management software.
• Coordination skills for delivering holistic, client-centered representation.
• Strong time management and organizational competencies to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Capability to manage complex litigation efficiently.
• Readiness to handle emergencies and crisis scenarios.
• Ability to manage multiple interruptions and communication channels.
• Interpersonal skills to engage respectfully with clients and colleagues.
• Continuous academic interest in criminal law and procedure.
• Commitment to dignity, respect, confidentiality, and ethical behavior in all interactions.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to courts and detention facilities.

Employment Conditions

• Maintain active attorney licensure in Kansas or be willing to secure admission immediately upon hiring.
• Must possess a valid driver's license when necessary due to location distance.
• Employment is contingent on the Governor’s salary approval.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary ranges from $70,000 to $99,425 depending on qualifications and experience.

• Comprehensive health coverage effective from the first day, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs, with options for tax-advantaged accounts.
• Optional voluntary insurance benefits, such as hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• Access to in-person and virtual health care services via HealthQuest Health Center.
• Accrued sick and vacation leave.
• Work-life balance benefits including paid parental, military, jury, and funeral leaves.
• Paid state holidays and fitness center access at select locations.
• Employee discount programs and retirement/deferred compensation plans.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• Contact details for three professional references
• If applying for veteran preference, include DD214 documentation

Additional Information

Applicants must submit a valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days of receiving an offer, confirming compliance with state tax laws.

Veterans meeting minimum competency will be granted interviews but are not guaranteed employment.

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.