The Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Texas, is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender in the appellate division of the Houston office. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Sec 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court.
Duties. The appellate attorney will (1) represent clients seeking review by appeal to the U.S. District Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and by certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) represent clients seeking collateral review; (3) provide litigation support to trial attorneys; and (4) perform other duties as assigned. The position requires travel for litigation and training. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
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; and (2) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas by the time of entrance on duty. Two to five years trial or appellate experience. Please note that judicial clerkship may qualify as experience. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.
Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, including oral and written advocacy and a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal and professional integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.
How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest (mentioning announcement number 22-05H), résumé, and representative writing sample. Legal experience should be described in detail. Send completed application to: Marjorie A. Meyers, Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Texas, 440 Louisiana St., Suite 1350, Houston, Texas 77002 or email in PDF format to [email protected]. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact Administrative Officer Laura Dusthimer at (713) 718-4600. More than one position may be filled with this announcement. Position announced March 23, 2022; open until filled.
Subject to the availability of funds.
The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.