Assistant Federal Public Defender
Assistant Federal Public Defender
The Federal Public Defender is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Omaha.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) provides every aspect of legal representation to individuals charged with federal criminal offenses in the District of Nebraska who are unable to retain an attorney. Duties include representing clients during trials and court hearings in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, direct appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The AFPD performs the following duties:
• Provides zealous, high quality professional legal representation to his or her clients. Appears, on behalf of the client, in court hearings and at other related proceedings.
• Communicates with the court, opposing counsel, probation officers, witnesses, clients and the families of clients concerning case-related issues.
• Maintains in-depth and updated knowledge of criminal defense trial and appellate practices and case law. Develops expertise with the federal sentencing guidelines, understands the ethical obligations and restrictions and practices courtroom advocacy. Pursues all appropriate available training opportunities including local or nationally sponsored training.
• Prepares motions and briefs for consideration in federal district and appellate courts. Also prepares petitions for certiorari.
• Prepares legal memoranda, review of issues, comprehensive statements of relevant facts, standards of review and briefs with complex legal and factual arguments. Consults with investigative and legal staff regarding issues relevant to the case.
• Performs legal research utilizing all available resources including computer-assisted legal research tools. Research includes state and federal statutes, case law, regulations, precedents, treaties, sentencing guidelines, and related subject matter. Analyzes legal decisions, opinions, rulings, memoranda and related legal materials. Complies and summarizes substantive information on statutes, treaties and specific legal subjects.
• Updates research and prepares for oral argument. Prioritizes issues and analyzes difficulties of the case.
• Continues development of strong written and verbal communication skills to enhance professional documentation and interpersonal interaction.
• Serves as a resource for Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys.
QUALIFICATIONS
This is not an entry level position. Candidates must be members of Bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska and the Supreme Court of Nebraska by the time of entrance on duty. To qualify for the position of AFPD, a person must have progressively responsible experience as a lawyer in the functional areas described in the Position Duties and Responsibilities section above. An Applicant must have significant criminal jury trial experience, preferably in representing individuals as a federal criminal defense attorney. Such specialized experience provides the individual the ability to coordinate the work of others; a comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, practices ,methods and techniques; the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent facts and regulations, policies and precedents; skill and judgment in the analysis of cases and legal opinions; a thorough understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence; experience performing progressively responsible duties as a lawyer; and the skills and ability to execute the duties of the position. The successful candidate must possess excellent written and oral communication skills and have demonstrated high integrity. The ideal candidate must be able to make critical decisions independently and perform the duties of the position with minimal supervision. The ability to provide excellent client service, coordinate multiple projects efficiently, and to utilize technology to enhance effectiveness is essential.
BENEFITS
The Federal Public Defender offers a full benefits package that allows an employee to participate in the following pursuant to the written terms of these benefit packages:
• Choice of Medical, Fee for Service and/or Health Maintenance Organizations, some plans with dental and vision benefits attached.
• Group Life Insurance; employee and family coverage available.
• Disability Insurance.
• Long Term Care Benefits for the employee and family.
• Immediate participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401K).
• Federal Employees Retirement System (Pension Program).
• 13 days of accrued vacation leave per year for the first 3 years of employment; increasing after 3 years.
• 13 days of accrued sick leave per year.
• A minimum of 10 federal holidays.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, child dependent care, and commuter programs.
Equal Opportunity Employer, women and minorities are encouraged to apply.