The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of approximately 20 people, including trial lawyers, investigators, paralegals, information technology specialists, and administrative support personnel. The term of appointment is four years. In accordance with the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the Western District of Michigan, the Federal Public Defender will provide federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Duties

Please read the "Summary" section.

Requirements

Qualifications

To be qualified for appointment as federal public defender, an applicant must possess the following minimum qualifications: (a) The applicant must be a member in good standing of the highest court of at least one state or the District of Columbia, and a member in good standing of every other bar of which the applicant is a member. (b) The applicant must have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants. (c) An applicant must possess the ability to effectively administer the office, demonstrated through past management experience. (d) An applicant must possess a reputation for integrity. (e) An applicant must have a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel; and (f) An applicant may not be related to a judge of the Court of Appeals, or to a judge of the district court in the district in which the vacancy exists by blood or marriage within the degree of first cousin.

Education

Juris Doctorate.

Contacts

• Address United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 503 Potter Stewart United States Courthouse 100 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 US
• Name: Office of the Circuit Executive
• Email: [email protected]