Description:
The Position:
A Government Entity, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island is
hiring an experienced trial attorney to be full-time Assistant Federal
Public Defender (AFPD) in its Western Massachusetts office. The
position will be based in our office's Springfield, Massachusetts,
branch. The successful applicant will be selected through a nation-wide
search. All eligible attorneys interested in this position are
encouraged to apply.
The AFPD position requires managing cases at various stages of litigation; preparing pleadings, briefs, and motions; appearing on behalf of clients in court hearings and at other related proceedings; developing litigation strategies; meeting with clients, experts, witnesses, and family members; and performing other duties as assigned. The AFPD will work to uphold every person's right to be presumed innocent; receive a vigorous defense; and, if convicted, receive a fair sentence. They will advocate for humane sentences by collaborating with teams of investigators, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and other staff to develop mitigation evidence and to present judges with developed views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges. This position requires significant travel throughout our district and occasional out-of-district travel. The AFPD primarily represents indigent individuals charged in federal district court with committing federal criminal offenses. The AFPD also represents clients on appeal before the circuit court, in post-conviction proceedings, and as grand jury or trial witnesses. The Springfield AFPD reports directly to the Federal Public Defender or another designated supervising attorney in Boston.
What we do:
The Federal Public Defender Office is a law office that represents persons charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney. We represent the accused from arrest through trial and appeal, including the U.S. Supreme Court and federal habeas corpus review. We work together to uphold every person's right to be presumed innocent and to a fair sentence if convicted. Our defense is vigorous, both at trial and on appeal. We advocate for humane sentences by showing judges and prosecutors that we represent people, not criminals.
Who We Are:
We are attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialist, office administrators, and information technology specialists committed to cultivating a culture of acceptance and connectedness that honors the diverse backgrounds of the people we represent. We value diversity and a commitment to equality, and we believe better legal representation occurs when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. In when recruiting members of our team, we welcome the full spectrum of humanity. We embrace the unique contributions that you can bring, including your culture, ethnicity, education, opinions, race, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, religion, disability, and economic status.
Who You Are:
In addition to exceptional trial, research and writing skills, you have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a lawyer. You are a trusted, reliable, and efficient attorney who is eager to partner with members of the defense team so the office can provide exceptional legal services. You multitask effectively, have exceptional organizational skills, and are eager to learn new systems. You are a capable user of technology and understand its utility. You are committed to contributing to local, regional, and national trainings. You are willing to serve our Districts on committees that impact system change. You see the problems, but also the solutions, and you harness creativity, dedication, and persistence to overcome the challenges. Your communication with others is based in empathy and compassion, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment. You have high standards and want people to be treated fairly and respectfully, no matter the allegation or circumstance.
Required Experience:
- Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and other technology to review, process, and organize large amounts of information and data.
- Must have a degree from an accredited law school.
- Must be admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of any state or the Districts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire.
- Must be admitted (by the time of duty) to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have a work authorization.
- Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
Experience working with diverse groups of people, such as economically disadvantaged people, people with emotional or mental health challenges, and those from disenfranchised communities.
- Prior Criminal Defense experience serving adults.
- Familiarity with federal habeas corpus or other post-conviction litigation, capital, and/or appellate work.
- The ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. The ability to write and speak clearly.
- The ability to keep confidences and to protect relevant legal privileges.
- The desire to work, as part of a team, to benefit those accused of committing federal crimes.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in criminal defense or federal courts.
- The ability to handle Compassionate Release cases and be a resource on those case within the office and to CJA Attorneys.
- Strong computer and technological skills.
- Considerable resourcefulness, initiative, creativity, and compassion.
- Spanish fluency or any other second language.
