Assistant Federal Public Defender
Posting Date: June 18, 2019
Closing Date: Until filled
The Federal Public Defender, Middle District of North Carolina, is accepting applications for a temporary Assistant Federal Public Defender to serve for a period of24-months and 1 day in the Winston-Salem office. Applicants must understand that there is no promise of permanent employment.
The temporary hire needs to be prepared to make a commitment to work the full 24-months 1 day period but understand that, while it is the intent of the Federal Public Defender's office to have the person on staff for 24-months and 1 day, all employees of the office are "at will" and all positions are subject to fluctuations in work load and funding. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court.
Requirements: An Assistant Federal Public Defender must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school, and admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; (2) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina by the time of entrance on duty; and (3) licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina, or must become so licensed at the earliest opportunity after entrance on duty. Spanish language proficiency is a plus for this position. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.
Duties: The Assistant Federal Public Defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training, and may involve foreign travel. Federal public defenders attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Selection Criteria: The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal and professional integrity. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.
Salary and Benefits: The salary of an Assistant Federal Public Defender is commensurate with that of an Assistant United States Attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular Government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by electronic funds transfer (direct deposit).
How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest, resume, and representative writing sample. Legal experience should be described in detail. Send the completed application to: Louis C. Allen, Federal Public Defender, Middle District of North Carolina, 301 N. Elm Street, Suite 410, Greensboro, NC 27401. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer. Position announced 6/18/2019; open until filled.