New Hampshire Public Defender (NHPD) seeks an experienced and dedicated attorney to serve as Deputy Chief Appellate Defender.

The Deputy Chief Appellate Defender will maintain an appellate caseload, representing clients in appeals before the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The position requires substantial experience in appellate litigation, exceptional legal research and writing skills, and demonstrated commitment to the clients and communities served by NHPD.

In addition to managing an independent appellate caseload, the Deputy Chief Appellate Defender will collaborate with colleagues on significant appellate matters, participate in organizational training and professional development, and serve as a resource to NHPD trial attorneys on complex legal questions, emerging issues, and developments in criminal law. The successful candidate will be an accomplished advocate who is also committed to strengthening the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness of the broader defense team.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in New Hampshire, or the ability to obtain admission.
• Substantial experience briefing and arguing cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court or other appellate courts.
• A deep and demonstrated familiarity with criminal law, constitutional law, and criminal procedure.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• A strong commitment to indigent defense and the rights, dignity, and interests of NHPD clients.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, provide thoughtful legal guidance, and contribute to the professional development of other attorneys.
• Excellent judgment, initiative, organizational skills, and a commitment to high-quality legal representation.

Applications for this position must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on November 13, 2026. Please submit a brief letter of interest, an updated resume, and [SH1] a writing sample consisting of a brief actually filed at the New Hampshire Supreme Court or a substantive pleading filed in another appellate court. Applications without these three elements will not be considered.

Salary to commensurate with experience. The NHPD Attorney pay ranges from $65,132 to $110,887

Any questions can be directed to recruiting@nhpd.org