“Equal rights, fair play, justice, are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it.” – Maya Angelou
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER – APPELLATE
CLICK HERE for a PDF copy of this announcement
The Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming seeks an appellate attorney to join our office’s Appellate Section in Denver. The Office of the Federal Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) to provide court-appointed defense services to persons prosecuted in our nation’s federal courts.
Job Description: The Appellate Assistant Federal Public Defender will provide zealous and professional appellate representation to individuals who are unable to afford counsel to challenge their convictions and sentences in the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Appellate appointments include appeals from within the office and cold-record appeals from any district within the Tenth Circuit. Travel outside Denver may be required on occasion. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
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 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 organization. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.
The successful applicant will have excellent legal research and writing skills, a strong work ethic, a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented approach to work, and a reputation for personal integrity. Candidates who have appellate advocacy experience or a federal appellate judicial clerkship are preferred.
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. The Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, a resume, and a writing sample that is your own work. Applicants selected for an interview will also be required to submit a short response to a writing prompt. Emailed and faxed applications will not be considered. In-person interviews are optional. The applicant must pay the cost of travel. This position is subject to the availability of funds. No phone calls, please.
Applications should be sent to:
Veronica Knights, Personnel
Administrator
Office of the Federal Public Defender
633 17th Street, Ste. #1000
Denver, CO 80202
Posted: August 12, 2021. Open until filled.