POSITION
ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER – WYOMING TRIAL DIVISION—CHEYENNE
(One-Year-One-Day Term
Position)
CLICK HERE for PDF version
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming seeks a superior trial attorney to join our Cheyenne office for a term of one year and one day. The Office of the Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) to represent individuals unable to afford counsel and prosecuted in our federal courts. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of our clients with a diverse group of dedicated professionals who collaborate with, listen to, and advocate on behalf of one another. We welcome and value individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. Click here for more information.
Job Description: This is a full-time position that terminates one year and one day after the date of appointment. The Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) provides zealous, professional legal representation at every stage of the case. Our cases are complex and diverse. They require comprehensive legal research, extensive motions practice, and frequent courtroom litigation, including jury trials. The District of Wyoming encompasses the entire state of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation. Extensive travel is required, and attorneys should anticipate attending court appearances in both Cheyenne and Casper, Wyoming.
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 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. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check, and an IRS tax check. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
The successful applicant will have at least two years of substantial experience in criminal defense. Substantial experience includes primary responsibility for jury trials in felony cases, challenging and examining scientific expert witnesses, dispositive motions practice, sentencing mitigation, and management of voluminous discovery. A strong and established work ethic, a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented, professional demeanor, and a reputation for personal integrity are essential. Superior research, writing and oral advocacy skills are required. Proficiency in Spanish is useful but not required.
Salary and Benefits: This is an “Excepted Appointment” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of AD-21 to AD-29 ($66,214 - $155,361). Among the many benefits are the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, disability, long-term care, dental, and vision insurance.
How to Apply: Apply via email to the attention of Veronica Knights, Personnel Administrator, at employment@cofpd.org. Applications must include a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample, which is solely your work, in .pdf format. Subject reference should be AFPD Position – Cheyenne. References are preferred. Interviews will be conducted in person or via videoconference. No phone calls, please.
The Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer.