Assistant Federal Public Defender

at  US Courts

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for the position of Assistant Federal Defender, the individual must demonstrate the requisite experience outlined in the Salary and Experience and Experience Requirements sections. The individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The job requirements are representative of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. The Assistant Federal Defender must be an attorney with knowledge of defense or prosecution services, in either the public or private sector. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school, admitted and in good standing with a state bar or eligible for admission. Applicants must also be eligible for admission to the Eastern District of Louisiana. Qualified candidates must have an aptitude for trial practice, superior analytical ability, and be able to handle a full caseload immediately. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, but not a requirement. The successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment, the ability to prioritize and to work both independently and cooperatively. Commitment to the indigent and personal integrity are essential.

Progressively responsible experience as a lawyer in the functional areas described in the Primary Job Duties section above. Such experience provides evidence the individual has:

• the ability to coordinate the work of others;
• a comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, practices, methods and techniques;
• the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent facts and regulations, policies and precedents;
• skill and judgment in the analysis of cases and legal opinions;
• an understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence;
• experience performing progressively responsible duties as a lawyer; and
• the skills and ability to execute the duties of the position.

EDUCATION

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school, admitted and in good standing with a state bar or eligible for admission. Applicants must also be eligible for admission to the Eastern District of Louisiana.

• Benefits

Review our benefits

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

Please send a resume with cover letter, a writing sample, and three references to: heather_davis@fd.org

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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DUTIES

The Assistant Federal Defender (AFD) provides every aspect of legal representation to individuals charged with federal criminal offenses but who are unable to retain an attorney. Duties include trials and related hearings, witness representation, supervised release violations and other matters.

The Assistant Federal Defender performs tasks such as the following:

• Provides zealous, professional legal representation to his/her clients. Appears, on behalf of the client, in court hearings and at other related proceedings.
• Communicates with the court, opposing counsel, probation officers, witnesses, clients and the families of clients concerning case-related issues.
• Maintains in-depth and updated knowledge of criminal defense trial and appellate practices and case law. Develops expertise with the federal sentencing guidelines, understands the ethical obligations and restrictions and practices courtroom advocacy. Pursues all appropriate available training opportunities including local or nationally sponsored core training within the limits of funding, workload and defender organization approval.
• Prepares motions and briefs for consideration in federal magistrate and district courts.
• Prepares legal memoranda, review of issues, comprehensive statements of relevant facts, standards of review and briefs complex legal and factual arguments. Consults with investigative and legal staff regarding issues relevant to the case.
• Performs legal research utilizing all available resources including computer-assisted legal research tools. Research includes state and federal statutes, case law, regulations, precedents, treaties, sentencing guidelines, and related subject matter. Analyzes legal decisions, opinions, rulings, memoranda and related legal materials.
• Updates research and prepares for oral argument. Prioritizes issues, analyzes difficulties of the case.
• Continues development of strong written and verbal communication skills to enhance professional documentation and interpersonal interaction.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Progressively responsible experience as a lawyer in the functional areas described in the Primary Job Duties section above. Such experience provides evidence the individual has:

• the ability to coordinate the work of others;
• a comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, practices, methods and techniques;
• the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent facts and regulations, policies and precedents;
• skill and judgment in the analysis of cases and legal opinions;
• an understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence;
• experience performing progressively responsible duties as a lawyer; and
• the skills and ability to execute the duties of the position