The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time attorney positions in its trial unit, stationed in Los Angeles, California. The trial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.
Job Duties: Trial attorneys primarily represent indigent individuals charged with violating federal criminal statutes by handling all stages of federal criminal trial matters in the district court. Core job duties include appearing on behalf of clients in court hearings and other related proceedings; visiting clients in jail; drafting motions, briefs, and legal memoranda; and collaborating with investigators, paralegals, and support staff. On occasion, trial attorneys are also assigned cases involving appeals after conviction and post-conviction matters that are involved in federal court proceedings. Trial attorneys must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
Requirements: All applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and be members in good standing of the California Bar or must be willing to sit for the next California Bar exam. Preference will be given to applicants with at least three years of experience in state and/or federal criminal law or applicants with federal judicial clerkship experience, but neither is required. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requi....
Selection Criteria: Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and/or public interest law; must have superior oral and written communication skills; possess excellent research skills; and work well in teams. A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.
How to Apply: Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, two representative writing samples (limited to 15 pages each), and three references in a single PDF document to Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Federal Public Defender, at [email protected] with the subject line: LA TRIAL ATTORNEY APPLICATION. All application materials must be received by July 15, 2023, however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. No phone calls please.