CJA Coordinating Attorney

United States Courts; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Federal Public Defender in Salt Lake City seeks a full-time CJA Coordinating Attorney to manage the CJA panel attorney program, coordinate appointments and vouchers, and advise on CJA procedures. The role also develops training and serves as liaison among the panel, the court, and the Federal Public Defender.

Applicants must be an attorney with criminal defense experience, a graduate of an accredited law school, admission to practice in good standing, and at least two years of criminal

Qualifications

• Applicant must be an attorney with criminal defense experience.
• Graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice in good standing.
• Minimum two years’ experience practicing criminal defense; U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration and management of the CJA panel attorney program.
• Coordinate panel appointments, panel lists, and appointment records.

Skills

Criminal defense experience

Education

Graduate of an accredited law school

Job description

Job Details for CJA Coordinating Attorney

Court Name/Organization Utah Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position The CJA Coordinating Attorney manages the federal panel attorney program, coordinates appointments and vouchers, advises attorneys on CJA procedures, develops legal training, and serves as liaison among the panel, court, and Federal Public Defender.

Location Salt Lake City, UT

Opening and Closing Dates 10/01/2026 - 10/15/2026

Appointment Type Permanent

Classification Level/Grade JSP Grade 9-15

Salary Not specified

Announcement Number #2027-01

Position Description

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a full-time CJA Coordinating Attorney to oversee the administration and management of the CJA panel attorney program. This attorney serves as a liaison for the CJA Panel, the Court, and the Federal Public Defender.

The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. §3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts. The office is committed to serving the distinct needs of these individuals.

The CJA Coordinating Attorney works closely with the Courts, the Defender Services Office (DSO), and the members of the CJA panel to ensure high quality representation and to assist in efficient management of CJA resources; provides assistance and advice to panel attorneys on CJA processes and procedures. Administers a full range of panel management services including coordination of panel appointments; maintenance of panel lists and appointment records; preparation and review of panel forms and processing of vouchers for reimbursement; verifies data, computations and compliance with CJA guidelines on CJA vouchers prior to submission for approval and ensures expeditious review and payment of vouchers The CJA Coordinating Attorney develops and administers a Continuing Legal Education training program for CJA panel attorneys. Applicants must possess the ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment, be accurate and attentive to detail, determine and set priorities, organize work and meet critical deadlines. The position requires excellent communication skills both written and oral. This is a full-time position that will not permit court appearances or engagement in the private practice of law.

Qualifications

Applicants must be an attorney with criminal defense experience (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice and in good standing with the highest court of a state; and (3) have a minimum of two years’ experience practicing criminal defense. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or eligible to work in and for the United States.

Employee Benefits

This position has a salary range of Grade 9 to Grade 15 in the Judicial Salary Plan effective Jan. 12, 2026. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience and payable only by electronic funds transfer (direct deposit). This is full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part: paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, life insurance, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System.

Appointment to the position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and/or investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check. Employees of the Federal Public Defender are members of the judicial branch of government; are considered ‘at will’ and can be terminated with or without cause.

Application Info

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.