The Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California is now acceptingapplications for a full-time Assistant Federal Defender position for its Fresno Office.More than one position may be filled from this announcement. The Office of the FederalDefender operates under the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, representingindigent persons in federal criminal cases and related court matters.
Our Fresno Office Assistant Federal Defenders provide zealous, professional legalrepresentation to indigent persons charged with misdemeanor and felony criminaloffenses before the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, andoccasionally before the United States Supreme Court. Office attorneys carry anextensive, varied caseload through all litigation stages with room to explore novel legaland factual arguments in defending our clients. Our lawyers practice at the highest levels,enjoying excellent reputations for personal and professional integrity. Our Office alsoboasts a collegial culture, strongly encouraging teamwork and collaborative discussion.Close to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, our Office is responsiblefor most misdemeanor case representations originating out of these parks, includingopportunities to represent clients at Yosemite National Park’s federal district courthouse.
The Fresno Office currently seeks a defense attorney with criminal law or federal clerkshipexperience. Spanish fluency is a plus. Immediate responsibilities include managing asizeable caseload with cases at varying litigation stages; appearing on behalf of clients incourt hearings and other related proceedings; developing litigation strategies; preparingpleadings, briefs, and motions; meeting with clients, experts, witnesses, and familymembers; and other duties as assigned. Applicants must have excellent legal writing andoral advocacy skills, computer-assisted legal research proficiency, the ability to work in acollaborative team environment, and effective organizational skills with the ability to setpriorities.
Fresno, located in the heart of the Central Valley and California’s fifth largest city, is avibrant, diverse community offering affordable housing, farmers’ markets, a lively artsscene, a minor league baseball team, and a growing “Ale Trail” of craft breweries. Fresnois conveniently located only hours away from Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and SequoiaNational Parks, Paso Robles’s award-winning wineries, California’s beautiful centralcoast, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
All applicants must either be admitted to the State Bar of California or be a member ingood standing of another state’s bar and be admitted to the California Bar within two yearsof starting. Applicants must have strong writing and advocacy skills, the ability to work ina team environment, and must possess effective organizational skills and the ability to
set priorities. 5 or more years experience in criminal law preferred. Please describe
motion, trial and appellate experience. Indicate any other than English languageproficiencies. Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident applying for U.S.citizenship. Selected candidate will be subject to a background check as an employmentcondition.
This position is a full-time permanent position with federal salary based on qualificationsand experience. Federal government benefits apply, including health, life and long-termcare insurances, retirement benefits, thrift savings program, and flexible spendingaccounts. Direct deposit of pay required.
Position reposted on 10/3/19 and open until filled. Applicants will be notified before anyreferences are contacted.
To apply, please submit as a single Adobe pdf file a cover letter, résumé, writingsample, three references and a completed Application for Judicial BranchEmployment form (AO78), http://www.cae-fpd.org/AO_78.pdf, to the following email:cae_hr@fd.org
The Office of the Federal Defender is an equal opportunity employer. If you need areasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, pleasenotify the agency.