Duties

Provides zealous, professional legal representation to his/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 core training within the limits of funding, workload and defender organization approval.
Prepares motions and briefs for consideration in federal magistrate, 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 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

Conditions of Employment

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews, candidates must travel at their own expense. Remote interviews will be offered. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
The physical demands of this position are those required to successfully perform the duties described. The occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds is required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Travel is necessary to perform this position's duties.
The position will report to Richmond, VA; however, telework may be available on a regular or ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy, after an initial training period commensurate with the position's duties. Positions with the Office of the Federal Public Defender, EDVA are "at will" in the excepted service and do not carry the tenure rights of competitive civil service positions. Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. Further background investigation(s) may be required. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under 8 U.S.C.1324b(a)(3)(B).

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.