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Administrative Assistant (State Appellate Public Defender)

Posting Begin Date: 2025/12/09

Posting End Date: 2026/01/16

Category: Administrative Asst

Sub Category: Office and Administrative Support

Work Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: 21.00

Maximum Salary: 23.00

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Administrative Assistant

Idaho State Appellate Public Defender

Boise, Idaho

Full-time (40 hours)

$21 - $23 hourly ($43,680 - $47,840 annually)

ABOUT US

The State Appellate Public Defender (SAPD) is a first-rate public defense agency specializing in appeals and death penalty litigation for indigent clients. The SAPD’s Appellate Unit (AU) represents clients in various non-capital (juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and post-conviction) appeals, while the Capital Litigation Unit (CLU) represents clients who have been sentenced to death.

The SAPD’s work can be extremely challenging, so it attracts only the brightest, hardest-working, and most dedicated attorneys and staff. All the SAPD’s employees are deeply committed to public service and embrace a client-centered defense model. We try to ensure that all clients—often Idaho’s most vulnerable residents—are listened to and treated with the utmost respect. At the same time, we strive to provide the highest quality representation to each client.

While the needs of the client are always paramount, we also support one another, offering a collegial and welcoming workplace. We also enjoy excellent state benefits.

Currently, the SAPD seeks an Administrative Assistant to fill the reception position. This public-facing position requires extensive client contact and interactions with others in the criminal justice system, such as attorneys, court clerks, etc. It also entails a host of administrative duties.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Administrative Assistant performs a variety of administrative tasks that enable attorneys, and the office as a whole, to function effectively. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

+ Answering, screening, and routing a high volume of telephone calls from clients, clients’ family members, the public, and various criminal justice system stakeholders.

+ Greeting visitors.

+ Communicating with the Idaho Supreme Court, the Idaho Court of Appeals, and various district courts across the State of Idaho.

+ Processing and distributing incoming mail.

+ Drafting, proofreading, and electronically filing a variety of legal documents.

+ Proofreading outgoing briefs for grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, and clarity.

+ Processing incoming legal filings and calendaring deadlines.

+ Updating and maintaining an administrative office calendar.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Administrative Assistant must have proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel and the ability to operate standard office equipment such as a fax machine, copy machine, and multi-phone telephone system.

An associate’s degree is preferred but not required. Law office experience, including knowledge of legal terminology and criminal law and procedure, is strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The Administrative Assistant interacts daily with a diverse group of individuals, including clients, clients’ family members, attorneys, court clerks, and the public. As a result, excellent communication skills and patience are a must. Additionally, because the Administrative Assistant deals with sensitive confidential information on a regular basis, the ability to maintain client confidentiality is critical.

The Administrative Assistant must be detail-oriented, able to prioritize multiple work assignments and meet deadlines, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. It is imperative that the Administrative Assistant be able to proofread documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, and clarity.

The ability to read, write, and converse in Spanish, as well as translate documents, is preferred.

WHY JOIN THE SAPD?

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, the SAPD offers its employees excellent benefits. Below are some of those benefits:

+ Nation’s leading public employee pension plan – PERSI

+ Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance

+ Eleven paid holidays

+ Paid vacation leave

+ Paid sick leave

+ Paid parental leave

+ 401K and deferred compensation plan

+ Life/Disability/Supplemental life insurance

+ Employee assistance program

+ Flexible spending accounts

+ Wellness programs

The State of Idaho offers a robust compensation package, for a summary of benefits click here (https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/) .

The State Appellate Public Defender is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF).

WHY BOISE, IDAHO?

Boise, Idaho consistently ranks high in quality of life and offers a balance of urban amenities and outdoor activities. The city has a vibrant culture with music festivals and a growing food scene. Recreational opportunities such as fly-fishing, biking, skiing, kayaking, and hiking are all within close proximity. The Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile-long path along the Boise River, is a favorite for walking, running and biking. Known for its friendly and welcoming community, Boise is a great place to start a new chapter in life.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?

If you are ready to join the team, please submit 1) a cover letter , 2) a resume , and 3) a list of two references . Application materials must be submitted no later than Friday, January 16, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website, https://statecareers.idaho.gov/ , and not directly to the agency.

For inquiries regarding this position, please contact Elizabeth Todd, Office Administrator, at (208) 334-2712 or [email protected] .

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Discrimination based on veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws, is prohibited.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected] .

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.