POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT COORDINATING ATTORNEY – DISTRICT OF COLORADO

Job Posted: May 18, 2016 

The Office of the Federal Public Defender, Districts of Colorado and Wyoming, is hiring a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Coordinating Attorney to serve the District of Colorado Criminal Justice Act Panel. This office operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C.§ 3006A,  to provide zealous and professional legal representation to persons unable to afford counsel, who are charged with criminal offenses in the United States District Courts in Colorado and Wyoming, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Job Description:  The CJA Coordinating Attorney will be responsible for the systematic distribution of cases to and for the management of the CJA Panel attorneys. The CJA Coordinating Attorney will be responsible for opening and processing all new CJA appointments in the District of Colorado eVoucher program, and will review panel attorney claims for reimbursement and other services for mathematical and technical accuracy, reasonableness under the Criminal Justice Act, and for conformity with the Guidelines for the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (Vol. VII, Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures). The CJA Coordinating Attorney will also be expected to develop and administer a Continuing Legal Education training program for attorneys serving on the District Court Criminal Justice Act Panel. Additionally, the CJA Coordinating Attorney will provide substantive legal analysis, advice, and assistance on all CJA Panel matters.  This is a full-time staff attorney position that will not permit court appearances or engagement in the private practice of law. Selection, compensation, and supervision of this position is the sole responsibility of the Federal Public Defender.

Requirements and Qualifications: Applicants must have 1) an established working knowledge and demonstrated aptitude of federal criminal law, 2) at least five years experience practicing federal criminal defense, 3) significant experience working under the Criminal Justice Act, 4) proficient data management and automation skills, and 5) be a self-starter with a reputation for a positive work ethic, personal and professional integrity, and an ability to work well with the court, the Defender Services Office, and members of the CJA Panel.  There is a preference for applicants who have substantial experience practicing and billing under the Criminal Justice Act. 

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. 

Salary and Benefits: This graded position is full-time with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan.  Salary is payable only by direct deposit. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.  

How to Apply:  Qualified individuals may apply by submitting a letter of interest and resume. E-mailed and faxed applications will not be considered. Interviews will be conducted in person. Cost of travel must be incurred by the applicant. All positions subject to the availability of funds.  Open until filled; priority consideration given to applications received by Friday, June 17, 2016.


APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT BY MAIL TO:

Kim W. Bechard
Administrative Officer
Office of the Federal Public Defender
633 17th Street, Ste #1000
Denver CO 80202


The Federal Public Defender 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 .