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    Attorney PC Attorney

    Postconviction Unit Staff Attorney

    Expires: 2025-08-17
    Organization
    Office of Alternate Defense Counsel (OADC), Colorado
    Salary
    $84,408 - $101,316
    Job Status
    Full Time
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    Denver, CO

    The PCU provides direct representation to indigent criminal clients pursuing claims
    under Crim. P. Rule 35(c) and 35(a), where the OSPD has declared a conflict of interest.
    The unit operates independently within the agency structure.

    PCU Staff Attorneys work on interdisciplinary teams representing clients across
    Colorado in postconviction matters. Essential job functions will include:

    • Reviewing extensive trial and appellate records to identify avenues for additional
      investigation, constitutional violations, and ineffective representation;
    • Leading an interdisciplinary team investigation regarding any fact and mitigation
      patterns that were previously missed or underdeveloped (which may include
      investigating the facts of the underlying offenses, the circumstances of the trial and
      sentencing proceedings, the client’s personal and family history, and any other
      relevant cultural and sociological factors impacting the client);
    • Working with team members to identify, vet, and collaborate with experts in
      relevant fields, including forensics, mental health, trauma, legal standards of
      practice, and other specialized areas of expertise needed to assess both old and
      new avenues of argument in support of client’s case;
    • Conducting and participating in case reviews and team meetings to ensure
      comprehensive legal representation;
    • Researching and writing substantive pleadings, petitions, and briefs based on state
      and federal case law; and
    • Litigating those claims in evidentiary hearings.

    This position is hybrid, with occasional on-site requirements at the Denver office as
    needed.

    Requirements
    Our ideal candidate is passionate about team-oriented, holistic indigent defense and zealous in their commitment to providing excellent postconviction representation to our clients. There is a preference for those who have:
    • A Colorado law license or eligibility for admission to the Colorado State Bar through comity or bar examination;
    • At least two years of experience in criminal defense, appellate, or postconviction work;
    • Exceptional writing skills with a demonstrated ability to craft clear, compelling, and well-organized arguments;
    • Strong analytical abilities, attention to factual and legal detail, and legal research skills;
    • Competency in identifying issues during each stage of the prior proceedings, including trial, appellate, and postconviction proceedings;
    • Effective and persuasive communication skills – both written and verbal;
    • Ability to develop a robust, cohesive defense strategy with an interdisciplinary team (including social workers, investigators, paralegals, and experts) and foster collaboration through constructive communication, mutual respect, and appreciation for team members’ different skills and expertise;
    • Capacity to work independently and manage time effectively with or with court deadlines;
    • Ability to develop trust and rapport with clients from a variety of different backgrounds, utilizing client-centered best practices in their defense; and
    • Resilience and commitment to representing clients, convicted of serious felonies, through extended, challenging legal proceedings.
    It is also helpful, but not necessary, to possess subject matter knowledge and expertise in:
    • Ineffective assistance of counsel claims;
    • DNA, other forensic evidence, and junk science frequently relied upon by the State;
    • Developing investigative plans, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining records;
    • Complex multi-year litigation criminal cases; and
    • The importance of cohesive, in-depth mitigation.
    Job Contact
    Juanise Cornell
    6263186198 juanise@coloradoadc.com