Who we are and what we do: We are the Indigent Appellate Defense Division, known as "IADD." Our office was established by the legislature in 2020 in response to a recognition by the legislature that access to counsel was limited throughout most of the state for many people needing to pursue their constitutional right to appeal a conviction. Initially, IADD was tasked with providing appellate representation for people in the third through sixth class counties wanting to appeal their convictions. Those counties span much of the State outside of the Wasatch Front. Since that time, IADD’s responsibilities have grown and now also include representing parents on appeal from across the entire state who have had their parental rights terminated and representing people in the postconviction process pursuing a chance to have their convictions overturned.
IADD attorneys have decades of experience and have represented clients in Utah courts at every level. Many of our attorneys have appeared as speakers and panelists at both national and local trainings. As an office, IADD has hosted an annual multi-day training that has attracted hundreds of attendees and featured local and national speakers committed to improving the criminal legal system.
Mission Statement
IADD believes in justice for all. We are dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of each of our clients through zealous, compassionate, and client-centered advocacy. The goal of the office is to ensure delivery throughout the state—at all stages—of indigent defense services that do not merely meet the Strickland constitutional standard for effective assistance but provide all clients the highest quality of representation they deserve.
"Public defenders do not get to pick their clients. They have to represent whoever comes in. It is a service. That is what you do as a public defender and you are standing up for the constitution and the value of representation."
Attention law students: IADD is always looking to hire students as law clerks who are interested in learning more about appellate indigent defense, parental rights, and postconviction representation. Law clerks have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with our case work. Interested students should email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. Materials can be sent to the section of interest:
Criminal appeals (adult or youth): iadd@utah.gov
Postconviction: iadd.postconviction@utah.gov
Child welfare/parental rights appeals: iadd.childwelfare@utah.gov