The Federal Public Defender is accepting applications for the position of a Sentencing Resource Counsel assistant federal public defender.  The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court.

Requirements. The applicant must be a licensed attorney in good standing admitted in at least one U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals, and must have extensive experience with federal sentencing and federal criminal law and practice, and a thorough familiarity with federal sentencing policy, preferably through trial and/or appellate litigation.  Skill and experience with written advocacy is required.  Experience in delivery of legal training is preferred, though other related experience may be considered.

The successful applicant must be team-oriented, self-motivated, resourceful, and committed to criminal defense.  Applicants must possess outstanding research and writing skills (including library-based research skills), and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and the broader community.  The ability to work independently from a remote work site is also required.  Some evening and weekend hours and travel is required.  Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties.  The Sentencing Resource Counsel (SRC) provide advice to support the Federal Defender Sentencing Guidelines Committee in developing and conveying the collective views and comments of the federal defenders to the U.S, Sentencing Commission as required by 28 U.S.C. § 994(o).  SRC formulates sentencing policy with the Defenders Guidelines Committee, interacts with the Commission and other agencies and organizations, facilitates communication between the Defender Guidelines Committee and federal defenders, and provides sentencing litigation support.  SRC maintains primary responsibility for tracking and communicating emerging sentencing litigation issues, circuit splits, and other issues that arise relevant to sentencing, including pending legislation, probation practices, and developments in social science.  SRC fosters efficient and effective dialogue and system-wide economies of scale.

SRC also provides training assistance to the Defender Services Office’s training division, the Federal Judicial Center, individual Federal Public and Community Defender Offices, and others involved in training related to federal sentencing law, policy and practice.  As part of the training function, SRC provides expert advice and guidance to CJA and defender attorneys related to sentencing and other areas of practice that impact sentencing outcomes. The selected candidate will primarily assist in developing sentencing litigation strategies; tracking emerging sentencing issues in court decisions, guideline amendments and pending legislation; analyzing and commenting on sentencing policy; providing expert advice to CJA and defender attorneys in individual cases; and training.

The selected candidate will work with and be supervised by senior Sentencing Resource Counsel. Salary and Benefits. The starting salary of an SRC assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience.   The position is in the excepted service (at- will employment) and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular Government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Offer of employment is subject to the availability of funds.  This position may be eligible for full-time telework.

How to Apply.

Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest, résumé, and representative writing sample on sentencing or a sentencing policy issue. References will be required from candidates selected for an interview. Applicant experience should be described in detail. Send completed application to the Personnel Administrator, Federal Public Defender, District of Arizona, at HR@fpdaz.org. Announced 05/31/2017; First Review:  06/30/2017; Open until filled.