The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for an experienced trial attorney to serve as an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) in its Erie branch office. The position primarily involves legal representation of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in the United States District Court, though the position may also require providing representation to individuals in federal habeas corpus proceedings.
The AFPD will advocate for our clients charged with criminal offenses or involved in post-conviction proceedings in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The position requires managing cases at various stages of litigation; preparing pleadings, briefs, and motions; appearing on behalf of clients in court hearings and at other related proceedings; developing litigation strategies; meeting with clients, experts, witnesses, and family members; and performing other duties as assigned. The AFPD will work to uphold every person’s right to be presumed innocent; receive a vigorous defense; and, if convicted, receive a fair sentence. They will advocate for humane sentences by collaborating with teams of investigators, paralegals, social workers, and other staff to develop mitigation evidence and to present judges with fully developed views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges.
The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of a state bar and 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. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Trial experience, as well as excellent research, writing and oral advocacy skills, are required. The applicant should be prepared to immediately undertake the representation of clients in serious criminal cases and have a working knowledge of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The ability to manage a heavy caseload, travel and work flexible hours are essential for the position, as are effective organizational skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The successful candidate will be subject to a general background check and IRS tax check procedure as a condition of employment.
This position requires some travel throughout our district and occasional out-of-district travel. At the discretion of the Defender, the AFPD in the Erie Brach office may also be assigned to cases in the Pittsburgh division. Once hired, the applicant will have the option to work from home two days per week at the discretion of the Defender; however, such a schedule is not always possible given the in-person responsibilities of the position. Whether working remotely or from the Erie FPD office, the AFPD must be available to appear in the district court in Erie when clients are presented upon arrest.
Qualified applicants should apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current and detailed resume, and a writing sample in one Adobe Acrobat document to [email protected] using the subject line "2023-02."
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