Federal Public Defender
                                                                                                      District of Puerto Rico

                                                                                                 POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
                                                                                             Assistant Federal Public Defender
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               Opening for a full time Assistant Federal Public Defender. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA), 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters upon appointment by the U.S. District Court.

REQUIREMENTS:
        Graduate of an accredited law school, admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state, territory, or possession. Must be admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Preferably Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, multilingual a plus given the make-up of the FPD PR client base. Training related travel will be required; must be computer literate and be knowledgeable of word processing (Word Perfect), database (Access), and presentation (Power Point) programs, preferably those identified in parentheses which are currently in use in the office. Must be able to perform legal research using computer research programs (e.g., Lexis - West Law) and internet based resources.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
        The successful applicant will have five or more years of trial experience in criminal law in Federal Court or its equivalent in State Court. The applicant must have argued cases before the Court of Appeals of the First Circuit and clearly demonstrated an aptitude for excellence in trial practice. The candidate will have a commitment to the representation of indigent defendants and a reputation for personal integrity.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
        Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the guidelines set by the judiciary salary scale for Assistant Federal Public Defenders. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. If hired, the private practice of law and notarial practice is prohibited. The position includes regular U.S. Government employment benefits, including annual leave according to years of service, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a retirement system. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Proof of United States citizenship and other employment eligibility is required.

HOW TO APPLY:

        Qualified attorneys may apply by forwarding a statement of interest, and a current detailed resume to:
 

                                        Federal Public Defender, District of Puerto Rico
                                                Selection Committee
                                                241 F. D. Roosevelt Avenue, Patio Gallery Bldg.
                                                San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918-2441

        Interested applicants may submit resumes until May 16, 2008. Personal and facsimile submissions will not be accepted. Applicants submitting incomplete applications or submitting by facsimile will be disqualified. Previous filed resumes in the office will be considered under this announcement. No telephone calls or electronic mail. The start date of this position is contingent upon availability of funds. Successful candidate will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment.

                                                       The Federal Public Defender for the District of Puerto Rico
                                                                                      Is an Equal Opportunity employer.