Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate Attorney)

Court Name/Organization: California Northern Federal Public Defender Overview of the Position: The Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of California is accepting applications for a full-time Appellate Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate AFPD) based in the San Francisco office. Location: San Francisco, CA Opening and Closing Dates: 06/28/2024 - 07/29/2024 Appointment Type: Permanent Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

The Appellate AFPD will advocate for our clients charged with criminal offenses or involved in post-conviction proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The Appellate AFPD's duties include legal research and writing in connection with all stages of proceedings at the discretion of the Defender, including representing clients during appellate and habeas proceedings, as well as providing support to trial attorneys.

The Appellate AFPD will draft district court pleadings and motions, draft appellate briefs, present oral arguments in the Ninth Circuit, and seek certiorari when appropriate. As necessary, the attorney will also draft and litigate post-convictions motions for sentence reductions.

The attorney will assist trial attorneys in developing legal strategies, provide advanced research and writing assistance to trial attorneys in select cases, and occasionally appear in district court in connection with pretrial or trial-related motions along with a trial AFPD.

The appellate AFPD will attend trainings, stay informed about relevant legal developments, and give continuing legal education presentations. They will participate in local and national committees and projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Defender or the Appellate Chief.

This position requires limited travel throughout our district and occasional out-of-district travel for training and litigation. The Appellate AFPD will be stationed in the San Francisco office, but may be assigned to matters in or required to move duty stations to the Oakland and San Jose offices on a temporary basis at the discretion of the Defender. The position is subject to the office's telework policy, which (subject to change) generally provides for up to one day of remote work per week.

Qualification

• Hold a law degree and be a current member in good standing of the State Bar of California (the office does not cover bar dues). Be admitted or eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

• Possess excellent research, analytical, and persuasive skills

• Effectively identify legal issues from lengthy and complex records

• Write clearly, concisely, and persuasively

• Possess strong oral and written communication abilities

• Demonstrate an aptitude for appellate practice and have a deep commitment to the vigorous representation of indigent clients

• Be highly motivated, detail oriented, and well organized

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills; collaborate and lead effectively

• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

• Preference for at least two years of federal criminal practice and appellate experience

• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completing a fingerprint check and background investigation

How To Apply

Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted through this web portal: https://ndcalfd.knack.com/applications#attorney/

Please upload a single PDF application packet, which should include the following material in a single .pdf file:

• A plain cover sheet, containing only your last name, first name, and the name of your current employer or your current employment status

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position

• Your resume

• A writing sample (preferably written within the last two years) that demonstrates your original work

• Three professional references, including name, email address, and telephone numbers (references will not be contacted until applicant is advised)

The uploaded PDF file should be named, "Last name, first name." (E.g., "Doe, Jane.pdf")

Applications will not be accepted by mail or fax. Compliance with these application instructions is a factor expressly considered in the evaluation of the application.

Applicants selected for an interview will be asked, but not required, to complete a Judicial Branch Employment form (AO78). Completion of this form is not considered in the evaluation process.

Non-Citizen Applicants: Under federal law, non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment in the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Employment offers, however, can only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)(B). In most cases, this means that an offer of employment cannot be made unless the candidate is a U.S. Citizen, or a lawful permanent resident who is seeking U.S. citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe in supporting people to do their best work and thrive as we build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.