Employment Opportunity at Office of Nevada State Public Defender

Learn more about an employment opportunity for a Nevada lawyer recently announced by the Nevada State Public Defender

UNCLASSIFIED JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted – January 30, 2023

Chief Appellate Deputy, Nevada State Public Defender

RECRUITMENT OPEN TO:

This is an open competitive recruitment, open to all qualified applicants. This position is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Nevada State Public Defender.

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Office of the State Public Defender was created by the Nevada Legislature in 1971. Most recently, in 2019, it was placed under the auspices of the newly minted Department of Indigent Defense Services (DIDS), whose mission is to assist primarily the rural Nevada counties in developing effective, equitable, and sustainable indigent defense systems that strengthen local communities and meet or exceed the state and federal constitutional guarantees that protect each of us. Currently, the Nevada State Public Defender’s office serves Carson City and Storey counties.

APPROXIMATE ANNUAL SALARY:

Up to $121,547 plus benefits * (Salary range reflects retirement (PERS) contributions by both the employee and employer. An employer paid contribution plan is also available with a reduced gross salary.)

BENEFITS:

The State benefits package includes a retirement system, paid health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance; 11 paid holidays, and paid sick and annual leave. Other employee paid benefits such as deferred compensation plans are available.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position reports to the Nevada State Public Defender (NSPD). The Chief Appellate Deputy manages the appellate division of the office the supervision and direction of the State Public Defender. The attorney in this position manages all direct appeals and writs to the District Court, Court of Appeals, and Nevada Supreme Court for the State Public Defender and other rural counties as assigned. The attorney in this position must handle any Petitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus in matters to which the State Public Defender’s office is appointed. Additionally, the Chief Appellate Deputy must be available to advise staff attorneys regarding trial issues and be prepared to observe ongoing felony trials in order to gain better insight of potential arguments to address on appeal. The Chief Appellate Deputy also represents parolees and inmates at parole revocation hearings and Pardons Board hearings and must be able to meet with clients in correctional facilities if necessary. The attorney in this position may be required to handle other court appearances, hearings and trials in the Justice and/or Municipal Courts or District Courts as directed by the State Public Defender.

Leading Change: Provide Leadership & Vision for the Future

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping the recently-appointed State Public Defender to lead the NSPD into a new era, reimagining and redefining the office and its impact on the field of indigent defense across rural Nevada. This will include the creation of a modern vision for the office and the implementation of that vision. In partnership with the Department of Indigent Defense Services, the leadership of the NSPD will improve access to effective representation and holistic defense services, including investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialists.

TO QUALIFY:

Applicants must be: 1) licensed to practice in Nevada and in good standing with the State Bar; or 2) able to qualify for a temporary license under Supreme Court Rule 49.1. A background in litigation and criminal justice is required. Experience with direct criminal appeals and/or post-conviction relief is preferred. A background exhibiting the ability to effectively deal with people of varied backgrounds is necessary.

POSITION LOCATION: Carson City, Nevada. Some travel possible.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED. (Letters of interest and

resumes will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Hiring may occur at any time during the recruitment process.)

TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume, letter of interest, writing sample, and three professional references to:

PUBLICDEFENDER@NSPD.NV.GOV, ATTN: CHRIS ARABIA, STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

The State of Nevada is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action in recruitment of its employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.