Federal Defender Office
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
FEDERAL
COMMUNITY DEFENDER ORGANIZATION
for the EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
The Federal Court Division is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The Division offers a non-smoking
environment.
FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEFENDER
OFFICEFOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
******The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has been authorized to advertise and interview for several attorney and office support staff positions to assist with its work on new capital 2255 cases. Given the number of openings that may be available, we will stagger these hiring’s. We anticipate that the first hiring’s may take place as early as June 2008 and all will be completed by September 30, 2008. A brief job description for each position is attached. Salary will be based upon experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations.
Please note that these positions will be filled once funding has been approved. Additionally, these positions will remain open until filled and applications will be considered starting March 17, 2008.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample (for attorney positions only) to Maureen Kearney Rowley, Chief Federal Defender, Federal Community Defender Office, The Curtis Center, Independence Square West, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 540W, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
You may also submit the required
information via email at EmploymentPAE@fd.org. When submitting your resume electronically,
use the appropriate posting code ONLY
in the subject line. Please submit all electronic information in Word, Word
Perfect, or Adobe PDF format.******
Investigator/Mitigation
Specialist (2-3 positions)
Posting Code 700100-08
Applicants must possess substantial investigative and mitigation experience, including the investigation and development of defense mitigation presentations in capital trials or post-conviction cases. Those without demonstrated mitigation experience will be considered if the applicant possesses experience with mental health or social work issues, or with the preparation of trial in complex matters within the federal courts. Education above the high school level in accredited institutions may be substituted for a portion of applicants’ general and/or specialized experience. The position also requires knowledge of federal and state court systems and familiarity with federal habeas corpus or other post-conviction litigation and/or complex federal civil or criminal litigation. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others in a team-based approach. Must possess a valid driver’s license, insurance and own/operate personal vehicle for business purposes. Job responsibilities may require the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Fluency (oral and written) in Spanish is preferred, but not required. Ability to engage in extensive travel throughout the country is required.
Legal Secretary
(1 position)
Posting Code 600100-08
Applicants must possess a minimum of four years legal secretary experience, preferably in criminal, appellate and/or federal practice, and good communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills. Education above the high school level in accredited institutions may be substituted for a portion of applicant’s general and/or specialized experience. Familiarity with legal terminology, court rules and protocol required. Computer literacy, including knowledge of Word Perfect 12 for Windows, Adobe, Excel and scanning software, as well as strong formatting skills and a minimum typing speed of 50 wpm are required. Experience with computer-assisted legal research is helpful. Must be able to work well with others, and handle a number of tasks simultaneously. Able to work speedily and accurately within a limited time frame, exercise mature judgment and work independently. Fluency (oral and written) in the Spanish language is helpful but not required. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary is required.
APPELLATE
UNIT
RESEARCH &
WRITING SPECIALIST (1 Position)
Posting Code 500203-08
The Research and Writing Specialist provides advanced legal research and writing services to staff attorneys working on appellate and trial cases. The Specialist writes briefs, motions, petitions for certiorari, and legal memoranda; examines, analyzes, and researches complex legal records and issues; performs legal research; prepares legal documents; and assists attorney staff with all aspects of case preparation. The Specialist also assists with other projects including but not limited to the development and distribution of publication(s) and other resource material, i.e., brief bank. In accordance with Administrative Office of United States Courts regulations, the Research and Writing Specialist must be an attorney. However, this is not an Assistant Federal Defender position and the Specialist is prohibited from being the attorney of record on any case or appearing in court on behalf of the client.
Candidates for this position must possess a law degree and be a member of a state Bar. Eligibility for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar or willingness to sit for next bar exam required. Admission and good standing before the federal bar is helpful but not required. Applicants must have a minimum of two to five years of experience including 2 years of specialized experience (i.e., possess the skill and judgment to analyze cases and legal opinions), and 3 years of general experience (i.e., able to read, analyze and interpret common technical journals and legal documents). Candidates must possess a solid understanding of criminal law, criminal procedures, and evidence, have outstanding legal research and writing skills, be able to analyze complex legal issues, and be proficient with computer assisted legal research. Experience with Word Perfect 12.0 required.
The Federal Defender Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The Office offers a non-smoking environment.
601 Walnut St. Suite 540 West
Phila, Pa. 19106
updated 6/25/08