The Postconviction and Appellate Resource Attorney is an attorney dedicated to enhancing postconviction and appellate representation in Colorado. The role supports the ADC’s mandate by managing processes for the receipt of postconviction cases that come to ADC from Courts across Colorado and assigning legal teams to be appointed to cases. The ADC’s postconviction caseload comprises cases brought via 35C petitions filed under Form 4 and Forensic Science Integrity Act, cases, after the OSPD has filed their notice that conflict prevents them from representing the client in either type of case. The PARA oversees staff who manage the appellate appointment process, and works closely with other ADC staff, contractors, and stakeholders to improve the system for postconviction appointment and representation in Colorado’s courts.
Essential Functions of the Position
Coordinate Postconviction Case Assignments
Respond to judicial requests for postconviction appointments, including 35C cases and cases under the Forensic Science Integrity Act (FSIA).
Coordinate Colorado attorneys practicing in the postconviction arena to take ADC cases.
Consider Rule 1.6 conflicts of interest and caseloads, and track case assignments between the ADC’s Postconviction Unit and ADC contractors.
Communicate with OSPD about conflicts and FSIA case assignments.
Develop and maintain transparent processes for receiving postconviction cases to ensure deadlines are met, cases are assigned to experienced legal teams, and ADC contractors are supported in their postconviction casework.
Postconviction and Appellate Processes
Consider contractor approvals on postconviction cases, which may include expert and service-provider requests, funding requests, team/legal/litigation/client expenses, and non-lawyer court attendance on postconviction cases.
Contribute to the review and approval of legal team billing on postconviction and appellate cases.
Coordinate postconviction and appellate attorney renewal and new attorney applications.
Collaborate with ADC appellate staff to support the assignment and tracking of appellate cases to ensure timely coverage, accurate case information, and compliance with court deadlines.
Postconviction and Appellate Resources
Provide resources to postconviction and appellate legal teams to enhance representation, including training and roundtables to enhance community among postconviction contractors.
Field legal questions, billing questions, and administrative questions from ADC legal teams.
Collaborate with ADC staff on postconviction and appellate legal trainings, oral arguments, roundtables, and case data to better understand and enhance postconviction and appellate representation and develop a wider network of postconviction legal teams.
You are a detail-oriented and process-minded attorney who can manage complex postconviction and appellate processes with consistency and care. You bring strong judgment, clear communication, and the ability to coordinate a system across courts, contractors, and internal teams to ensure cases are assigned, supported, and zealously represented.
J.D. degree with at least five years of criminal defense practice at the trial, appellate, and/or post-conviction areas of Colorado law.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Skilled at working in collaborative environments with strong organizational, and technological skills.
Understanding of the application of Rule 1.6 regarding confidentiality in criminal defense cases.
Experience managing legal teams and projects.
Commitment to holistic defense and interdisciplinary criminal defense practice.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with forensic science litigation and experts.
Experience with administrative tasks.
Experience managing multiple lines of communications with clerks, attorneys, legal professionals.
Experience supervising people on legal teams.
The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, social class, national origin, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or political affiliation. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and an environment of representation diversity, and encourage individuals of many identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply.
How to Apply:
To view the full job description please visit;https://coloradoadc.org/home/about-us/join-our-team/https://fs2.formsite.com/OADC/g0kb2uz92w/index
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