POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
APPELLATE RESEARCH-AND-WRITING SPECIALIST, TEMPORARY POSITION
The Office of the Federal Public Defender, Districts of Colorado and Wyoming, seeks a Research-and-Writing Specialist. The office operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C.§ 3006A, to provide zealous and professional legal representation to indigent persons 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 Research-and-Writing Specialist is an attorney position that provides advanced legal research and writing support to Assistant Federal Public Defenders. This position will be dedicated to support Assistant Federal Public Defenders assigned to the Appellate Division. The Specialist’s duties include staying abreast of the latest developments in the law; conducting legal research; drafting memorandums, petitions, and briefs; and participating in moot courts. Research and Writing Specialists are support positions and generally do not involve client responsibilities. Research and Writing Specialists are not generally permitted to appear in court and may not engage in the private practice of law.
Requirements and Qualifications: Applicants must have 1) a working knowledge of federal criminal law and procedure; 2) strong research and writing skills; and 3) strong automation skills.
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 and jurisdictions 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. It is strongly preferred that applicants have at least two years of relevant experience.
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.
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. Salary is payable only by direct deposit.
This is a temporary position that will expire on September 30, 2015. The position is open immediately.
There are no express or implied promises of future employment with this office.
How to Apply: Qualified individuals may apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, and a sample motion or brief of not more than 7000 words. E-mailed and faxed applications will not be considered. Interviews will be conducted in person. Cost of travel must be incurred by the applicant. This position is subject to the availability of funds. Applications must be received by COB Friday, July 11, 2014.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT 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 .