Capital Counsel

State of Oklahoma

Providing legal representation in capital cases for the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System. Managing case activities, conducting investigations, and preparing for trial and post-judgment proceedings.

Posted 6/3/2026full-timeOklahoma • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides legal representation in all phases of assigned capital cases
Performs case management activities until the case is concluded or reassigned
Communicates with client on all aspects of the case according to agency policy
Conducts independent and expeditious investigations relating to the client’s guilt or innocence
Prepares for trial by filing pretrial motions and developing plea negotiation strategy
Conducts ongoing legal research to identify new issues and prepare for briefing
Prepares for jury selection and preserves legal error for appellate review
Prepares for sentencing phase applying Oklahoma procedures and law related to capital sentencing
Prepares for post-judgment proceedings and cooperates with subsequent counsel
Serves as Co-Counsel as assigned and provides consultation to other attorneys

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctorate degree
Active membership and good standing with the State Bar of Oklahoma, or eligibility for admission
Knowledge of Oklahoma procedures and laws related to the sentencing phase of the capital case
Knowledge of American Bar Association Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (1989)
Critical thinking
Conducting legal research
Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

legal representationcase managementlegal researchpretrial motionsplea negotiation strategyjury selectioncapital sentencing procedurespost-judgment proceedingsconsultation to attorneys

Soft Skills

critical thinkingcommunication

Certifications

Juris DoctorateState Bar of Oklahoma membership