POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER – COLORADO TRIAL DIVISION
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The Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming seeks an experienced trial attorney to fill an existing vacancy in our Denver office. The Office of the Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) to represent individuals who are unable to afford counsel and are prosecuted in our federal courts. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of these individuals 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 status protected by law. Click here for more information about our office.
Job Description: This is a full-time, fully funded position, dedicated to all stages of the magistrate and district court proceedings. Our attorneys are expected to be zealous advocates of the highest caliber, devoted to the defense of low-income clients and the enforcement of the Bill of Rights. Our robust litigation practice challenges every stage of the criminal proceeding, from bond hearings, pretrial motions, jury trials, and sentencings to post-conviction retroactive relief projects. Because mitigation is a core component of our work, our attorneys, investigators, and support staff collaborate on every case.
Qualifications: To qualify for this position, an applicant 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. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Applicants must have at least seven years of substantial experience in criminal defense. Substantial experience includes primary responsibility for jury trials in felony cases, previous work with scientific expert witnesses (including challenges and examinations), dispositive motions practice, sentencing mitigation, and management of voluminous discovery. Superior research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required. 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. Trial level capital defense education or training is preferred but not required. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check.
Salary and Benefits: This is an “Excepted Appointment” full-time position with federal benefits and starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of AD-21 to AD-29 ($80,665- $189,268). 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. Salary is payable only by direct deposit.
How to Apply: Qualified applicants should apply via email by submitting in PDF a letter of interest, a resume, and a writing sample, which is solely your own work, to Veronica Knights, Personnel Administrator, at employment@cofpd.org. Please reference Trial AFPD. Interviews will be in person. No phone calls, please.
The Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer.