ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR

Job Posting: Director of Non\-Capital Appellate Representation Office of the State Public Defender JC\-521811 Director of Non\-Capital Appellate Representation ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR $12,590\.00 \- $16,900\.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. Final Filing Date: 8/2/2026 ### Job Description and Duties Are you a collaborative appellate leader who is passionate about developing attorneys and advancing high\-quality indigent defense? This position provides a unique opportunity to lead the Office of the State Public Defender’s (OSPD's) non\-capital appellate program through mentorship, legal training, and strategic guidance. As the Non\-Capital Appellate Director, you will help cultivate a culture of excellence, strengthen appellate advocacy, and empower attorneys and caseworkers to provide exceptional representation to clients across California. Under the supervision of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Non\-Capital Appellate Director is responsible for the leadership, supervision, and strategic development of OSPD’s Non\-Capital Appellate Program. Primary responsibilities include: Providing comprehensive legal supervision of all non\-capital appellate cases, including direct supervision of an Attorney IV, hands\-on mentoring and development of assigned attorneys, and final review of all non\-capital appellate briefs. Designing and implementing a strategic plan for the Non\-Capital Appellate Program, managing case selection, resource allocation, and caseload balance in consultation with OSPD leadership, and overseeing program structure and attorney progression toward capital qualification. Building and maintaining relationships with appellate projects and partner agencies to identify cases appropriate for OSPD representation and coordinating comprehensive training in appellate advocacy, legal research, and writing, and post\-conviction practice. Contributing expertise to other OSPD projects and assuming direct client representation as agency needs require. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. ### Working Conditions OSPD has two regional offices located in Oakland and Sacramento. The Oakland office is located downtown in a modern high\-rise building near the 12th Street BART station, not to mention a variety of delicious restaurants. The Sacramento office is located downtown in a modern high\-rise building near SacRT Light Rail stations, Downtown Commons, and plenty of shopping. OSPD permits full\-time telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee's designated Headquarters Location and primary residence. The policy may be subject to change by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate. Due to the nature of the position, appellate attorneys are sometimes required to work nights, weekends and other non\-traditional schedules. Absent unusual circumstances, certain duties must be performed in person, such as oral arguments, moot courts, and visiting detention facilities. For this position, it will be the responsibility of the attorney, in coordination with their supervisor, to ensure that any remote work they perform complies with the ethical obligations of attorneys and court requirements. This position requires travel to clients, conferences, meetings, and training events up to 10% of the time and includes occasional overnight travel, up to a week. Travel is primarily by automobile but also includes occasional train, airplane, or public transportation. ### Position Details Job Code \#: JC\-521811 Position \#(s): 426\-015\-5749\-022 Working Title: Director of Non\-Capital Appellate Representation Classification: ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR $12,590\.00 \- $16,900\.00 Individuals appointed to the Attorney Supervisor classification are eligible to receive the designated Hire\-Above\-Minimum (HAM) rate. The Attorney Supervisor classification HAM rate is set at $13,975\.00\. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. \# of Positions: 1 Work Location: United States Telework: Telework Job Type: Permanent, Full Time ### Department Information The OSPD is legislatively mandated to focus its resources on postconviction appellate representation in death penalty cases and improving indigent defense in California by providing assistance and training to local public defender systems. Mission Statement OSPD's mission is to advocate zealously for the underrepresented, particularly those facing capital sentences, while empowering the broader defense community to ensure effective and equitable representation for all. Diversity Statement OSPD is committed to promoting a workplace rooted in the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We can best serve our clients and stakeholders when we have a diverse staff that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived experiences, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our colleagues. An inclusive culture improves the quality of our work lives and makes us better advocates for our clients and better colleagues to each other. We are continually growing and are committed to equitable, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory hiring practices. OSPD encourages applications from all qualified individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, and veteran status. OSPD is recognized by the State Bar of California as a gold tier recipient of the DEI Leadership Seal Program for its on\-going commitment to advancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion for all staff through evidence\-based actions. Department Website: http://www.ospd.ca.gov/ ### Special Requirements The position(s) requires an Active memebership in the California State Bar. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired. ### Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 8/2/2026 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s). How To Apply Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678\) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below: Address for Mailing Application Packages You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to: Office of the State Public Defender Human Resources Attn: Human Resources \- TM 770 L Street, Suite 1000 Sacramento, CA 95814 Address for Drop\-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at: Office of the State Public Defender Human Resources Human Resources \- TM 770 L Street, Suite 1000 Sacramento, CA 95814 08:00 AM \- 05:00 PM Required Application Package Documents The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job: Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. Resume is required and must be included. Statement of Qualifications \- Please see the “Statement of Qualifications” section for instructions. Other \- A writing sample of no more than 5 pages is required and must be included. The sample should demonstrate a facility for criminal appellate briefing. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting. ### 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: Legal Expertise Advanced knowledge of California criminal appellate law and procedure, including issues identification, record analysis, constitutional claims, and post\-conviction remedies. Mastery of rules of evidence and court procedures in California and federal trial and appellate courts, including the duties and powers of the State Public Defender. Experience independently managing complex appeals from intake through oral argument, producing high\-quality written work\-product under deadline. Ability to identify and develop legal claims with systemic implications that cut across individual cases, in collaboration with OSPD staff and outside counsel. Proficiency in legal research methods and relevant technology. Knowledge of the law and procedures impacting death penalty cases in California at the trial and appellate levels. Attorney Development \& Supervision Demonstrated experience supervising attorneys at varying skill levels, providing substantive legal feedback, assigning and monitoring work, and ensuring effective cases progress. Proven ability to mentor and coach attorneys, including working with lawyers to ensure effective, consistent, and respectful communication with clients in all aspects of their representation. Ability to model and cultivate a team culture of legal excellence, accountability, and professional growth. Ability to initiate, review, and monitor personnel matters in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines. Collaboration \& Leadership Proven ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization in a collaborative and productive manner. Ability to partner with outside counsel and agencies to develop comprehensive strategies that advance client representation. Commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and maintaining a respectful, harassment\-free workplace, in compliance with state and department policies and personnel rules. Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of privileged information in compliance with applicable law. ### Benefits The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Health, Vision, Dental, and Retirement benefits. For more information on what is offered by the State of California, please visit the California Department of Human Resources CalHR website and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System CalPERS website. ### Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process. Department Website: http://www.ospd.ca.gov/ Human Resources Contact: Twanna Moore (916\) 322\-7043 Twanna.Moore@ospd.ca.gov Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office. EEO Contact: Jannet Esparza (916\) 323\-7622 Jannet.Esparza@ospd.ca.gov California Relay Service: 1\-800\-735\-2929 (TTY), 1\-800\-735\-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device. ### Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Instructions Please provide detailed responses to the questions below. Your response must be single\-spaced, written in narrative form, and no longer than 4 page(s). Please note that SOQ also serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Describe your appellate experience, including the courts you have practiced in, the number of cases where you were lead counsel, the number of oral arguments, and the types of issues you have handled. OSPD's noncapital program exists within a capital defense office, with a mission of training attorneys to take on capital appellate work, including briefing, oral advocacy, and client\-centered engagement. Describe your experience supervising or mentoring attorneys in postconviction matters. Include the experience levels of the attorneys, what your supervision looked like in practice, including how you provided feedback, and your philosophy for developing less experienced attorneys. This position is within a structured office environment with established policies, collaborative teams, and administrative processes. Describe any experience you have working within an institutional or office setting, and what you see as the advantages and challenges of that kind of environment. Applicants who fail to submit an SOQ will not be considered for interview. ### Attorney Supervisor Examination You must take and pass the Attorney Supervisor examination to establish list eligibility before a job offer. Please visit https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/ Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId\=1586 ### Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug\-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.