Federal Public Defender Office
Middle District of Florida
Position Title/Number: Research & Writing Specialist – #2020-005
Position Location: Middle District of Florida (Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Myers, Ocala or Jacksonville)
The Office of the Federal Defender for the Middle District of Florida is now accepting applications for Research and Writing Specialist (Appellate Attorney). This position is for an experienced appellate lawyer. Skilled collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients are among the values we aim to foster in our office. Familiarity with Federal appellate cases is highly desirable.
Qualifications: The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of preferably the Florida Bar, or any other state bar. Applicants should have a commitment to providing quality representation to indigent defendants and have a reputation for personal integrity. Strong computer research, word processing, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for this position, as is the ability to analyze legal issues from lengthy, complex records and write clearly and concisely. Excellent and highly accurate writing of memoranda, motions and briefs is required.
Preference will be given to applicants with at least five years of experience in state and/or federal criminal law, complex civil litigation, death penalty litigation, or habeas corpus litigation. Other exceptional experience or qualifications that would serve our clients may be considered in lieu of the litigation experience described above. Applicants must have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in appellate defense, strong written and oral advocacy skills, work well in teams, and be effective organizers.
Additional Experience and Proven Skill in the following areas:
• Knowledge of the federal criminal justice system preferred;
• Knowledge of the Florida federal and state appeals, and post-conviction relief systems;
• Proficiency with computers and use of Word, Adobe Acrobat Standard, CaseMap, Summation, and conducting internet-based research.
Duties: R&WS attorneys represent indigent clients in their federal appeals proceedings. R&WS Appellate attorneys carry a full caseload, representing clients in all stages of their appeals process—from briefing at all levels of the court system, oral advocacy, and in ancillary proceedings. Regular responsibilities include: working with clients; digesting large records, case files; developing litigation strategies; researching the law; drafting pleadings and presenting oral arguments. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of the cases require. Travel within the United States may be required.
Grade / Salary Range: This position is subject to the availability of Federal funds. Salary is dependent upon budget approval and experience. Grade 9-15. Range is $50,598 – $157,663.
Deadline to submit an application is WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2019. Send cover letter with resume, three professional references, and two writing samples (1 motion and 1 brief) in PDF format via email to:
Federal Public Defender Office
Attn: Martha Lugo, Personnel Administrator
martha_lugo@fd.org
All other formats will not be accepted. Phone inquiries can be directed to Personnel Administrator, Martha Lugo at (813) 514-4215.
The Federal Defender’s Office (FDO) is a branch of the U.S. Courts, an Equal Opportunity Employer, and operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A, to provide indigent defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts. This is Excepted Service Employment with Federal Government Benefits. Salary is based on Experience. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (Direct Deposit) of federal salary payment. Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or eligible to work in and for the United States. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense. This position is subject to a background investigation; therefore, the successful applicant will undergo a mandatory criminal background check investigation, which will include the completion of fingerprint checks. The FDO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify Personnel Administrator, Martha Lugo at (813) 514-4215. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case by case basis.
POSTING DATE: October 29, 2019 to November 20, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. E.S.T.