What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Federal Defender position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER - TRIAL UNIT
(At least one position)
Posting Code 060300-22
The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has a vacancy for an Assistant Federal Defender in our Trial Unit. Our office represents indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the Federal Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. We represent persons facing prosecution for all types of federal offenses, and our lawyers maintain varied caseloads that include offenses involving firearms, controlled substances, immigration, kidnapping, terrorism, complex white collar fraud, public corruption, child exploitation, human trafficking, robbery, and other crimes. We have recently expanded our practice to include federal capital homicide defense. Our office is in Philadelphia’s vibrant Center City district, in the historic Curtis building in Philadelphia, close to the federal courthouse and across from Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell and Washington Square Park.
Assistant Federal Defenders in our Trial Unit represent indigent federal defendants in all phases of prosecution, pre-trial through sentencing, in the district court. The Trial Unit’s Assistant Federal Defenders also represent individuals pre-indictment who are targets of prosecution. We participate in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s re-entry court, which is one of the country’s leading federal re-entry programs, as well as its mental health court, and the district soon will initiate a drug court. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania qualifies as an extra large district because of the number of cases prosecuted and their types and complexity, and our office has a large litigation practice.
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of criminal practice experience. Prior federal criminal jury trial experience and demonstrated working knowledge of federal criminal law, including sentencing guidelines, is desirable. Candidates must also have a clearly demonstrated commitment to excellence, a commitment to the representation of the indigent, a reputation for personal and professional integrity, and strong research and writing capabilities. Candidates must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, witnesses, staff, and court and agency personnel. Fluency in the Spanish language is strongly preferred. Candidates must have or be willing to learn, employ and maintain skills in courtroom technology and electronic case management. Travel throughout the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s nine county area is required. Occasional out of district travel may be required as well. Applicants must be members in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or be willing to sit for the Pennsylvania bar examination, and they must, subsequent to hiring, gain admission to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Interested applicants should apply at Federal Community Defender Office Careers. Candidates will be interviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Salary will be based on years of experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
The Federal Community Defender Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and all minorities are encouraged to apply.