Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Administrative Attorney

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Job location
Richmond, VA
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Street address: 
1000 East Main Street
City: 
Richmond
State: 
Virginia
ZIP: 
23219
Organization URL: 
http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov
Job type: 
Administrative/Financial
Position Description: 

• Announcement #: 2023-CJAA
• Location: TBD - Telework opportunity within the United States with preference given to applicants residing within the Fourth Circuit.
• Appointment: Career / Part-time (20 hours per week)
• Schedule: Flexible
• Open Until Filled – Preference given to applications received by December 3, 2023.

PAY RANGE
Pay range is based on the Rest of the US pay table and could be higher based on the location of the duty station.
$39,392 - $64,032 (CL-29)
Pay range is annualized based on 20 hours per week. Range and step within the range depend on experience and qualifications.

ABOUT THE JOB
The CJA Administrative Attorney is responsible for circuit-level oversight of compensation requests by attorneys, experts, and service providers appointed under the Criminal Justice Act to represent defendants charged with federal crimes. The incumbent manages the CJA voucher compensation program, which requires planning and executing all case-related and other court functions associated with the program.

WHAT WE OFFER
The opportunity to work independently yet collaboratively with fellow team members, work/life balance, great benefits, and to contribute to the administration of justice in this critically important area.

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES
• Conduct reasonableness review of compensation claims or advance-authorization requests exceeding the statutory maximum when submitted by attorneys appointed under the CJA using a national web-based program.
• Meet with CJA panel attorneys to resolve disputes on specific vouchers.
• Prepare memoranda for the Chief Circuit Judge summarizing the underlying criminal case and the associated compensation claim.
• Provide advice/training on CJA compensation, policies, and related subjects to judges, district court CJA staff, and appointed counsel as well as answer inquiries about the process.
• Prepare statistical reports and complete other special projects and assignments as necessary or requested.

Requirements: 

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• A JD from a law school that has been accredited by a recognized accrediting authority and membership in good standing to practice before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction of the United States.
• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal defense experience gained after graduation from law school.
• Thorough understanding of the CJA, criminal law and procedure, and criminal litigation strategies.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal CJA statutes, plans, guidelines, and policies to fee applications in criminal cases.
• Ability to independently review and audit claims for compensability and reasonableness, and to effectively advise and make recommendations as appropriate to reviewing judges.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to include preparing, editing, and proofreading memoranda, reports, and other documents.
• Demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism, courtesy, diplomacy, and tact to everyone.
• Meticulous attention to detail, adherence to procedural requirements, sound judgment, unquestioned integrity as well as ability to handle sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency with MS Office products, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to prioritize workload and effectively manage multiple and time-sensitive projects.

Preferred
• Familiarity with the federal courts and federal CJA matters.
• Reside within the Fourth Circuit.
• Experience with eVoucher and attorney billing practices.

To apply: 

HOW TO APPLY
Email the following in a single PDF document to Human Resources at [email protected].
(1) Cover Letter detailing qualifications and experience.
(2) Resume that includes the name, title, and the contact information of three professional references.
(3) Judicial Branch Application: AO78-Application for Employment.

Please include the title of the position in the subject line of the email, and please note in the cover letter where you saw the announcement. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged.

First-round interviews will be held virtually. Final interviews will be held in person in Richmond, VA. Reimbursement for interview-related travel expenses or any relocation costs incurred by the successful applicant is not provided.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity EmployerBENEFITS • Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays. • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Care insurance are available. • Thrift Savings Plan (like a 401(k) plan). • Retirement (FERS). • Flexible Spending Accounts for health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. • Mass Transit Subsidy (location and budget dependent). • Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Must be a citizen of the United States or meet requirements for compensation under current law. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, meaning they are at will and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are subject to The Judicial Code of Ethics and Conduct, which is available to applicants for review upon request. All applicant information is subject to verification. The appointment to the position is provisional pending a suitability determination by the Court based on the results of an FBI background check, which includes fingerprinting. Employees are required to use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposits. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior notice. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary range: 
$39,392 - $64,032 (CL-29)
Submission deadline: 
Sunday, December 3, 2023

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