Resource Attorney

The Indigent Defense Improvement Division (IDID) of the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) is seeking an experienced and driven attorney committed to improving indigent defense in California by supporting defenders litigating emerging areas of criminal law, including California Racial Justice Act (RJA) claims and other new forms of relief.

By legislative mandate, OSPD's IDID provides technical assistance to county-based indigent defense systems, direct training and resources to California's defenders, and engages in activities to improve indigent defense across the state.

The IDID Resource Attorney serves as a statewide expert on novel and developing areas of criminal law, developing model motions, template briefing, and other tools and supports for defenders litigating across California trial courts. The Resource Attorney stays abreast of all developments in criminal law, with a particular emphasis on the RJA and related statutes, conducts case consultations, cultivates experts, and develops resources for trial level defenders.

In addition to direct defender support, the Resource Attorney provides strategic technical assistance to policy makers and other stakeholders around the RJA and other emerging laws. The Resource Attorney will draft amicus briefs, memos on developments in caselaw, and assist OSPD's internal appellate counsel with briefing and materials, as needed, to advance the RJA and other statutes relevant to defense practice.

Working Conditions

OSPD has two regional offices located in Oakland and Sacramento. OSPD permits full-time telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California.

Due to the nature and duties of the position, IDID attorneys are sometimes required to work nights, weekends, and other non-traditional schedules. Some duties must be performed in person, such as certain stakeholder meetings, presentations, and live trainings. The position requires traveling to conferences, meetings, and training events up to 10% of the time and includes occasional overnight travel, up to a week.

Desirable Qualifications

• Defense expertise including experience litigating emerging and evolving areas of the law, such as California's resentencing statutes, 2024's Proposition 36, and California's diversion statutes.
• Ideal candidate would have experience litigating the RJA in trial or appellate courts and / or a strong interest in and demonstrated ability to become an RJA subject matter expert.
• Experience designing / providing legal trainings and consultations to attorneys and / or community groups.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to adjust communication styles to address / target different audience.
• Knowledge of California's indigent defense system and criminal legal stakeholders.
• Experience facilitating group conversations and working effectively within coalitions.
• Ability to survey the field to assess immediate versus long term needs and develop strategic priorities accordingly.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills to collect and maintain data, articles, and resources.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite including SharePoint and Teams.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technology as needed.

Required Application Package Documents

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