Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York Job

Vacancy No. DEST-12724067-25-CEB Department U.S. Courts
Salary $195,200.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/22/2025 Close Date 5/16/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Albany, NYSyracuse, NY


Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.

Duties

The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the Northern District of New York, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York has offices in Albany and Syracuse. The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, federal capital appellate resource counsel, investigators, paralegals, a mitigation specialist, and support personnel.

The website for the office is: Office of the Public Defender Northern District of New York.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

The position includes Federal benefits. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment.

Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

(1) be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
(2) have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
(3) possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas:
  • Budget, procurement, and travel;
  • Human resources;
  • Space, facilities, and property;
(4) have a reputation for integrity; and
(5) demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.

Education

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited law school, admitted and in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Second Circuit uses an open and competitive selection process. A Merit Selection Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. With consideration of the District Court's recommendation, the Committee will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment.

Required Documents

Application forms are posted on the Court's website at https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/.

  1. The original application;
  2. An original writing sample not to exceed 10 pages; and
  3. Resume.

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

Application forms are posted on the Court's website at https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/. Completed application packages must be in the format required by the Second Circuit and received no later than May 16, 2025.

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Address
US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse
40 Foley Square
Room 2904
New York, NY 10007
US

Next steps

Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment. The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements