Non-Capital Training Attorney (Attorney IV)

Job Description and Duties The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) is seeking a Non-Capital Training Attorney with extensive appellate criminal defense experience who is committed to mentoring and developing attorneys handling non-capital appeals and postconviction matters in order to meet the qualifications to be lead counsel in death penalty cases. The Non-Capital Training Attorney will provide comprehensive guidance on non-capital appellate practice and will work closely with individual attorneys on all aspects of their non-capital cases, focusing on high quality, client-centered representation. The Non-Capital Training Attorney will also assist the Director of Non-Capital Appellate Representation with managing OSPD’s Non-Capital Appellate Representation Program and work collaboratively with OSPD staff to identify and address the program’s training needs. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements The position requires an active membership in the California State Bar. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • Knowledge of legal principles and their application to criminal law and appellate proceedings. • Knowledge of the scope and character of California statutory law and provisions of the California Constitution and the United States Constitution. • Knowledge of California criminal defense appellate practice in non-capital appeals and postconviction proceedings. • Knowledge of capital litigation. • Ability to effectively review case records, analyze difficult and complex legal problems, and apply legal principles and precedents to legal problems. • Ability to craft clear and effective written pleadings in complex appellate cases. • Ability to mentor other attorneys through all stages of a non-capital appeal and develop their appellate practice skills. • Ability to monitor developments in the law and consider their impact on the agency’s cases. • Ability to direct the work of clerical and professional assistants. • Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful work environment for all levels of staff. • Ability to exercise good judgment and professionalism. • Experience litigating criminal cases in California appellate courts, including experience effectively litigating complex appellate cases independently. • Experience supervising or mentoring attorneys, interns, or law students. • Experience providing effective feedback on motions, briefs, petitions, and oral arguments and supporting skill building. • Experience preparing training materials, legal outlines, practice guides, and/or training programs for attorneys. • Experience building trusting relationships with a diverse array of clients, some of whom may have serious mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or intellectual disabilities. • Experience working in a team environment. • Experience maintaining security and confidentiality of privileged information in compliance with ethical rules and applicable laws. • Familiarity with the impact of race on criminal trials and appeals, on persons subject to incarceration, and on the criminal legal system as a whole. • Strong written and oral communication skills.