Public Defender Job Announcement at 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

Are you looking for a legal job as a public defender? The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has just posted a vacancy for a Federal Public Defender in the Northern District of California.

It seems that the incumbent FPD didn’t apply again for the position, so they are conducting interviews for the position.

Here are some quick facts about the job:

• The salary for the Federal Public Defender job is currently authorized at $153,200.
• The position will become available either then the incumbent FPD retires or when his term ends in May 2012.
• The job will be in San Francisco, with branch offices in Oakland and San Jose.
• The term of appointment is 4 years.
• The FPD will manage an office of 60 employees, including paralegals, attorneys, investigators and administrative staff.

The job qualifications for the Federal Public Defender job are:

• Admission to the highest court of any state.
• Member in good standing of every state Bar of which he/she is a member.
• Minimum of 5 years of criminal practice, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience.
• Must possess administrative expertise.
• Must have a reputation for integrity.
• Must be committed to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011. They must be in the format required by the Ninth Circuit and application forms may be downloaded at www.ca9.uscourts.gov.

According to the job announcement, a Local Screening Committee will review the applications and interviews will be conducted with the most qualified candidates. The committee will then refer the most qualified candidates to the Ninth Circuit's Standing Committee on Federal Public Defenders. The Standing Committee will, in turn, refer the best candidate to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for final decision.

Related Resources:

• Federal Public Defender Position Vacancy (US Courts: 9th Circuit Court of Appeals)
• Law Career Center (FindLaw)
• 9th Circuit Center (FindLaw)