How to apply for Non-Capital Training Attorney

About Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD)

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) runs a Non-Capital Appellate Representation Program and trains attorneys to handle non-capital appeals and postconviction matters. The role exists to help attorneys build the experience needed to qualify as lead counsel in death penalty cases.

About the role

The Non-Capital Training Attorney mentors and develops attorneys on non-capital appeals and postconviction matters. The role involves close work with individual attorneys on all aspects of their cases and assisting the Director of Non-Capital Appellate Representation with managing the program. The work is remote and full-time.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing non-capital appellate cases with individual attorneys, providing feedback on briefs or postconviction motions, and helping the Director of Non-Capital Appellate Representation with program management. You may also identify training needs and work with OSPD staff to address them. The exact daily routine is not specified; ask about typical schedules and collaboration tools during the interview.

Who Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) is looking for

• Extensive appellate criminal defense experience, including non-capital appeals and postconviction matters.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing other attorneys.
• Familiarity with the qualifications required to serve as lead counsel in death penalty cases.
• Ability to provide comprehensive guidance on non-capital appellate practice and client-centered representation.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific non-capital appellate and postconviction cases you have handled, including the issues raised and outcomes.
• Describe prior mentoring or training experience, such as supervising junior attorneys, leading trainings, or developing curricula.
• Explain how your background aligns with OSPD's goal of preparing attorneys to meet lead counsel qualifications in death penalty cases.
• Address your ability to work remotely and collaborate with OSPD staff on program management and training needs.
• Reference the Director of Non-Capital Appellate Representation and the Non-Capital Appellate Representation Program to show you understand the reporting structure.

What to cover in your cover letter

Emphasize your extensive appellate criminal defense experience. Detail your mentoring and training of attorneys on non-capital appeals and postconviction matters. Explain your understanding of lead counsel qualifications in death penalty cases. Show how you would assist with managing the program and identifying training needs.

Research before applying

• Review OSPD's Non-Capital Appellate Representation Program and its role in training attorneys.
• Learn about the qualifications for lead counsel in death penalty cases in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Understand OSPD's structure and how the Director of Non-Capital Appellate Representation fits in.
• Check for public information on OSPD's training initiatives and appellate case outcomes.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you approach mentoring attorneys on non-capital appellate practice and postconviction matters?
• What experience do you have with the qualifications to be lead counsel in death penalty cases?
• How would you help manage OSPD's Non-Capital Appellate Representation Program?
• How do you ensure high-quality, client-centered representation in appellate work?
• How do you identify and address training needs for attorneys handling non-capital cases?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on capital defense experience without showing non-capital appellate and postconviction work.
• Neglecting to mention any mentoring, training, or supervisory experience.
• Ignoring the program management aspect and the need to collaborate with OSPD staff on training needs.