Assistant Federal Public Defender

Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement benefits

Thrift Savings Plan

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas, seeks an Assistant Federal Public Defender to join the El Paso office. This attorney will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and manage various legal duties including trials and client communications.

A law degree and bar admission are required, with a preference for Texas qualifications. Candidates should have strong advocacy skills and a commitment to serving indigent clients. Federal benefits included with the position.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of federal criminal trial experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses.
• Develop litigation strategies and draft pleadings.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings and trials.
• Supervise teams of investigators and paralegals.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Oral advocacy skills

Spanish-language fluency

Team-oriented

Collaboration skills

Education

Graduate of an accredited law school

Admitted to practice before a state bar

Job description

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER

Western District of Texas, is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the El Paso office. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements

• a graduate of an accredited law school
• admitted to practice before a state bar, but a Texas bar license is strongly preferred
• licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas prior to entry on duty

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Duties

The Assistant Federal Public Defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies; drafting pleadings; conducting evidentiary hearings and trials; working with experts and other witnesses; and supervising teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and legal assistants. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training, and may involve foreign travel. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant will have strong writing and oral advocacy skills, an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused people, and a reputation for 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. Finally, applicants must also be team‑oriented and possess skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Three to five years of federal criminal trial experience is preferred. Spanish-language fluency is preferred.

Salary and Benefits

The salary of an Assistant Federal Public Defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including participation in health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

Federal Public Defender is an equal‑opportunity employer.