Assistant Federal Public Defender

United States Courts; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina Federal Public Defender seeks an appellate attorney to prepare briefs, motions, and petitions for rehearing or certiorari in the Fourth Circuit and Supreme Court. The role includes presenting oral arguments and may involve post-conviction work in district court.

The attorney will provide research and writing support to trial attorneys in district court, and must be a law school graduate with bar admission and eligibility for federal courts.

Qualifications

• Must be a law school graduate and admitted to practice before the highest court of any state or DC.
• Eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court.
• Occasional travel may be required, including out-of-district training and weekends/holidays when necessary.
• Background investigation including IRS tax check and FBI fingerprint check will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefs, motions, and petitions for rehearing or certiorari in the Fourth Circuit and Supreme Court.
• Present oral arguments in the Fourth Circuit.
• Provide research and writing support to trial attorneys in district court.

Skills

Legal research

Word processing

Appellate writing

Criminal defense

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Court Name/Organization South Carolina Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position The appellate attorney primarily prepares briefs, motions, and petitions for rehearing or certiorari in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. The position includes presenting oral arguments in the Fourth Circuit and may involve post-conviction work in the district court. Additionally, the appellate attorney provides research and writing support to trial attorneys in district court.

Location Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, SC

The appellate attorney primarily prepares briefs, motions, and petitions for rehearing or certiorari in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. The position includes presenting oral arguments in the Fourth Circuit and may involve post-conviction work in the district court. Additionally, the appellate attorney provides research and writing support to trial attorneys in district court.

The successful candidate may choose to locate in any of the four offices: Charleston, Columbia, Florence, or Greenville.

While this is not a full-time teleworking position, appellate attorneys are allowed liberal teleworking.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be a law school graduate, a member in good standing of any state bar (i.e., licensed to practice law before the highest court of any state in the United States or the District of Columbia), and eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
• The position may require travel throughout the district, to the court of appeals in Richmond, VA, overnight travel, out-of-district training, irregular work hours, or working weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Applicants must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an IRS tax check and an FBI name and fingerprint check. Further investigation may be required.
• Attorneys in this office may not engage in the private practice of law

General Experience

The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word processing skills, the ability to analyze legal issues from complex records and write clearly and concisely. Applicants should also 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 integrity. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel. Applicants must be able to work with a team when required and possess skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred. All qualified attorneys are encouraged to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disabling condition.

Specialized Experience

• Appellate writing experience or experience handling federal criminal cases is preferred.
• Strong legal research and word processing skills
• Ability to analyze to analyze legal issues from complex records and write clearly

Employee Benefits

The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, at-will position in the expected service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package, featuring generous health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 13 to 26 days of annual leave depending on years of service; 13 days of sick leave per year; and 11 paid federal holidays. Employees also participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System and may contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching contributions. The position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and includes access to the Employee Assistance Program, and regular continuing legal education opportunities. While this is not a full-time teleworking position, appellate attorneys are allowed liberal teleworking

Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct.

The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.

Positions with the Federal Public Defender are excepted service appointments, which are “at will” and may be terminated with or without cause.

Employees are required to use direct deposit.

Background Investigation
This is a sensitive position within the Federal Judiciary. Employment will be considered provisional pending successful completion of an FBI fingerprint check, favorable reference checks, social media inquiry, and a favorable suitability determination.

Applicants also may submit a law school transcript. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted; please do not contact the office.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.