Senior Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender II)

Position Overview

The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) invites applications for a Senior Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender II) role at the Southeast Kansas Regional Public Defender Office located in Independence, Kansas. This position targets attorneys with a preferred minimum of three years' experience who can competently handle cases of varying severity levels, including complex matters, with minimal supervision.

Mission

BIDS serves adults charged with felonies who cannot afford legal representation by providing strong public defense services. The organization is committed to enhancing client-centered advocacy through collaborative, interdisciplinary teams that leverage community resources to address the holistic needs of clients beyond their individual cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct litigation across all severity levels of criminal cases, including complex statutory, procedural, and constitutional issues.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in motions practice and complex case management.
• Serve as an informal leader within the office, supporting management and mentoring less experienced attorneys and staff.
• Accept additional duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender, including agency-wide responsibilities and fostering a positive office environment.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, inspire colleagues, and contribute to a supportive and safe workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an ABA-accredited law school and active attorney in good standing with the State of Kansas at employment time.
• Preferably possess at least three years of experience in criminal defense or comparable legal practice.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with electronic tools, including computer systems, e-filing, and case management software.
• Able to coordinate multidisciplinary teams to provide client-focused, comprehensive representation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to avoid unwarranted delays through thorough case preparation and planning.
• Ability to manage complex litigation, emergency or crisis situations, and frequent interruptions professionally.
• Maintain respectful, appropriate interaction with clients, coworkers, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to criminal law scholarship and a client-centered practice.
• Uphold confidentiality and possess uncompromised ethical standards.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to courts and jails as required.

Employment Conditions

• Must maintain active attorney licensure in good standing with the State of Kansas or, if licensed elsewhere, be willing to obtain Kansas bar admission immediately upon hire.
• Valid driver's license is required for travel to locations not accessible by walking from the office.
• Employment contingent upon the Governor’s salary approval.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,800 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, prescription, dental, and vision starting from day one.
• Access to additional voluntary insurance options such as hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• Access to HealthQuest Health Center for in-person and virtual care.
• Sick and vacation leave entitlement.
• Work-life balance benefits including paid parental, military, jury, and funeral leave.
• Paid state holidays.
• Fitness center access at select locations.
• Employee discounts through state programs.
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans.

Application Requirements

• Submit a cover letter.
• Provide a resume.
• Include a writing sample.
• List three professional references.
• If claiming Veteran’s Preference, include DD214 documentation.

Additional Information

• Applications will be reviewed continuously until the role is filled.
• Employment is conditional upon confirmation of active Kansas attorney licensure or successful Kansas bar admission prior to starting.
• Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate submission is required within 10 days of a job offer to verify compliance with state tax laws.
• Veterans may receive interview preference if minimum competency criteria are met, though hiring decisions are based on qualifications.
• The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming qualified applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities are available upon request.

For inquiries, contact Shawn Keeling, Human Resources Professional at the State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, via email at bidsrecruiter@sbids.org.