The Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California is now accepting applications for a permanent full-time Assistant Federal Defender (AFD) position for its Fresno Office to start by September 23, 2024. The Office of the Federal Defender operates under the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, representing indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related court matters.
Our Assistant Federal Defenders provide zealous, professional legal representation to indigent persons charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses before the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and occasionally before the United States Supreme Court. Our AFDs carry an extensive, varied caseload through all litigation stages with room to explore novel legal and factual arguments in defending our clients. We all practice at the highest levels, enjoying excellent reputations for personal and professional integrity. Our Office also boasts a collegial culture, strongly encouraging teamwork and collaborative discussion.
We seek a driven attorney committed to client-centered representation. Prior experience or clerkship welcomed but not required. We encourage you to let us know your legal experiences, especially in criminal, legal aid, and/or civil rights cases. Immediate responsibilities may include managing a misdemeanor caseload (from nearby Yosemite National Park, U.S. Forest Service lands, military bases, and the Veterans and Social Security Centers) to felonies involving drug, gun, theft/fraud, and other federal crimes. Travel is required. Our ideal candidate has excellent legal writing and oral advocacy skills, an ability to work in a collaborative team environment, and effective organizational skills with the ability to set priorities.
All applicants must either be admitted to the State Bar of California or be a member in good standing of another state’s bar and plan to be admitted to the California Bar within two years of starting. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident applying for U.S. citizenship. The selected candidate will be subject to a background check as an employment condition.
To apply, please submit as a single Adobe pdf file a cover letter, résumé, writing sample, three references and a completed Application for Judicial Branch Employment form (AO78), http://www.cae-fpd.org/AO_78.pdf, to:
Heather Williams, Federal Defender
Attn: Human Resources
at the following email: [email protected]
Position posted on August 5, 2024 – Closes on August 19, 2024.