The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia's (EDVA) mission is to provide the highest-quality legal representation through the zealous representation of our clients, professionalism in our dealings with the court and the public, leadership in the bar, and compassion and understanding for all those involved in the criminal justice system.

Duties

Appellate attorneys principally represent indigent clients in their federal appellate proceedings. Appellate attorneys carry a full caseload, representing clients in all stages of their appellate process, including from briefing at all levels of the court system, oral advocacy, and in ancillary proceedings. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large records and case files; developing litigation strategies; researching the law; drafting pleadings and presenting oral arguments. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of the cases require. Responsibilities Provides zealous, professional legal representation to their clients. Appears, on behalf of the client, in appellate 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 core training within the limits of funding, workload and defender organization approval. Prepares motions and briefs for consideration in appellate courts. Also prepares petitions for certiorari. Prepares legal memoranda, review of issues, comprehensive statements of relevant facts, standards of review and briefs complex legal and factual arguments. Consults with investigative and legal staff regarding issues relevant to the case. Examines complex and diverse records. Reviews the record proper, exhibits, transcripts and tapes of trials and hearings in habeas and direct appeals cases. Analyzes the record and determines relevant legal issues. Determines the need for an evidentiary hearing and prepares evidence for presentation. 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. Compiles and summarizes substantive information on statutes, treaties and specific legal subjects. Analyzes the potential impact of new legislation, policies and regulations on the defender organization. Recommends short and long range plans to ensure efficient operations. Updates research and prepares for oral argument. Prioritizes issues, analyzes difficulties of the case and prepares responses to possible panel questions. Continues development of strong written and verbal communication skills to enhance professional documentation and interpersonal interaction. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school and licensed by the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, the Supreme Court of the United States, or any other state bar, with good standing. Applicants should demonstrate a passion for and dedication to indigent defense in criminal cases, a commitment to client-centered representation, and the ability to work as part of a team. Additionally, they will have a clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in federal appellate practice and a reputation for integrity. The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word processing skills, ability to analyze complex legal issues, and ability to write clearly and concisely. Applicants also must possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel; be able to work effectively in a team-based environment; possess strong oral and interpersonal skills; be able to work independently and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; and be committed to providing the highest quality representation to indigent defendants. EDUCATION Must be a graduate of an accredited law school and possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AD-21 ($82,764 - $126,215) At a minimum candidates must possess zero to three years of professional attorney experience. AD-23 ($88,923 - $135,611) At a minimum candidates must possess three to five years of professional attorney experience. AD-25 ($95,546 - $145,706) At a minimum candidates must possess five to six years of professional attorney experience. AD-26 ($102,658 - $156,557) At a minimum candidates must possess six to seven years of professional attorney experience. AD-27 ($110,305 - $168,213) At a minimum candidates must possess seven to eight years of professional attorney experience. AD-28 ($118,517 - $180,738) At a minimum candidates must possess eight to nine years of professional attorney experience. AD-29 ($127,339 - $191,800) At a minimum candidates must possess 9+ years of professional attorney experience. In determining the number of years of professional attorney experience, only activities that a practicing attorney would normally perform may be counted, and such experience may be counted only from the time that the candidate completed law school. Investigative, quasi-legal, and other types of non-attorney law enforcement-related or defense-related experience (e.g., experience as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or as an investigator in an FDO are not creditable in determining years of professional attorney experience). Legal research and writing experience obtained after graduation from law school may be counted as professional attorney experience - upon review of such experience and its applicability to the position.

Education

Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and be a graduate of an accredited law school.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Federal Public Defender, Eastern District of Virginia 1650 King Street STE 500 Alexandria, VA 22314 US
• Name: Human Resources
• Email: [email protected]