Summary
The Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Louisiana is accepting applications for an experienced Assistant Federal Public Defender. The Federal Public Defender operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006(A), and provides criminal defense services to people charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
The salary of the Assistant Federal Defender may not exceed the maximum salary level established for that position by the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) and must conform to the AFD Appointment and Compensation Policies provided by the Defender Services Office. Information concerning the salary maximum for this position is updated as received from the EOUSA and is provided to all defender organizations.
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.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The physical demands described are representative of those required in order for an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The individual frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The individual is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Frequent travel to court locations and detention facilities may be required. The individual works primarily in an office environment.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
More consideration will given to the applicants with the most criminal law experience in order to allow the newly hired individual to expeditiously take on a full district court caseload.
Required Documents
Resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references.
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
Next steps
Qualified candidates will be contacted by email to schedule an interview.
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