POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, TERMED POSITION
The Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming seeks a superior attorney to join our office. This is a full-time position stationed in our Colorado office. The Office of the Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) to represent individuals who are unable to afford counsel and prosecuted in our federal courts. Our Assistant Federal Public Defenders provide zealous, professional legal representation to defendants in the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming and before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Job Description: This is a hybrid appellate and trial side Motions Team position. The Motions Team conducts advanced legal research and writing in our most complex cases. These duties will include preparing legal research memoranda; writing briefs, motions, and jury instructions; and tracking and advising our offices about case law developments. The Motions Team supports both offices, but this is not simply a support position. You will appear in court, and may have primary responsibility for oral argument in your cases at both the trial and appellate levels. Case demands may require travel.
Applicants must be 1) a graduate of an accredited law school; 2) licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; 3) a member in good standing in all courts where admitted to practice; and 4) a United States citizen, or a person authorized to work in the United States and receive compensation from this agency. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
The successful applicant should have at least three years of substantial experience in criminal defense, preferably in federal court. “Substantial experience” means a combination of: a federal trial or appellate court clerkship, dispositive motions or appellate practice, and significant responsibility for trials in felony cases. Applicants with less experience but strong credentials and a background in federal practice will also be considered. The successful applicant will have outstanding analytical skills and be an exceptional writer, researcher, and oral advocate. A strong and established work ethic, including the ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented professional demeanor, and a reputation for personal integrity are essential.
Salary and Benefits: This is an “Excepted Appointment” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan.
This is a termed position that will expire one year and one day after commencement of employment.
The anticipated start date for this position is September 4, 2018. There are no express or implied promises of future employment with this office.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, and a writing sample that is your own work.
E-mailed and faxed applications will not be considered.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO:
Kim W. Bechard
Administrative Officer
Office of the Federal Public Defender
633 17th Street, Ste #1000
Denver CO 80202
Interviews will be conducted in person. Cost of travel must be incurred by the applicant. All positions are subject to the availability of funds. Applications submitted by June 15, 2018, will be given preference. Posted May 29, 2018 -- open until filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. EMAIL INQUIRIES ARE DISCOURAGED AND MAY NOT RECEIVE RESPONSES.
The Federal Public Defender Organization is an equal opportunity employer.
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Selection for this position is contingent on proof of U.S. citizenship or, for noncitizens, proof of authorization to work in the United States plus proof of entitlement to
receive compensation. Even if a noncitizen is authorized to work in the United States under the immigration laws, this agency may not use appropriated funds to pay compensation to a noncitizen employee in the continental United States unless he or she falls within one of the following categories of exceptions:
- Persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence who are seeking citizenship or are willing to seek citizenship when eligible.
- Persons admitted as refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 who have filed a declaration of intention to become lawful permanent residents and then citizens when eligible.
- Persons who owe permanent allegiance to the United States (for example, natives of American Samoa and Swains Island).
- Persons who were officers or employees of the U.S. Government on December 16, 2009.
For a list of documents that may be used to provide proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, please refer to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, available at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf .