Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho is the Community Defender Organization (see 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(B)) for the Eastern District of Washington and the Northern District of Idaho. The organization is a non-profit corporation funded by a grant from the federal government. Employees of Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho are considered “at will” and are not government employees. The organization provides defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters appointed by the court. The organization's main office is in Spokane, Washington, with a branch office in Yakima, Washington.
JOB DESCRIPTION: This is an appellate attorney position, which means the attorney will handle 1) direct appeals, 2) habeas petitions, and 3) cert petitions. Additionally, the attorney will assist on special projects, including assisting clients seeking habeas relief based on the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Johnson. Regular day trips and some overnight travel is required for case investigations, court appearances, and visiting clients housed in various correctional facilities throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. An appellate attorney may not engage in the private practice of law.
Applicants must possess the following license qualifications: 1) be a graduate of an accredited law school; 2) be admitted to practice before the highest court in a state (a Washington bar license is not required); 3) be eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington; and 4) be eligible for admission to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Regarding experience, applicants must possess at least three (3) years of experience handling appeals. A federal appellate clerkship is preferred but not required. Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required.
Send resume with letter of interest to include bar license state and number, a recent writing sample (10-page limit) and 3 references by electronic submissions in PDF format only to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Appellate Attorney-SP
No telephone calls: Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2016
Applications received after this date may be considered if position has not been filled. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Position subject to the availability of funds.