Trial Attorney

FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERCENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 321 EAST 2nd STREET 213-894-2854213-894-0081 FAX CUAUHTEMOC ORTEGAFederal Public DefenderAMY M. KARLINChief DeputyC. PAMELA GÓMEZCapital Habeas ChiefLISA LABARRE KELLEY MUNOZSanta Ana Branch Chief ANGELA C.C. VIRAMONTESRiverside Branch Chief MARGARET A. FARRAND JONATHAN AMINOFFNon-Capital Habeas Chief NEHA CHRISTERNACollaborative Courts Chief Vacancy Announcement Position : Trial AttorneyLocation : Santa Ana, CADeadline : July 11, 2025 The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is acceptingapplications for a full-time attorney position in its trial unit in Santa Ana, California. The SantaAna Office represents individuals charged with federal crimes occurring in Orange County. Thetrial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by zealously advocating in federal court for theconstitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimesand cannot afford their own lawyer.Job Duties : Trial attorneys are responsible for aggressively litigating criminal cases in federalcourt from the client’s initial bail proceedings through jury trial and sentencing. Core job dutiesinclude researching and drafting creative, innovative motions; collaborating with a team ofinvestigators, paralegals, and support staff to prepare the client’s case for trial; appearing at allcourt hearings, including as lead or second-chair in jury trials; visiting the client, including atdetention facilities, to review discovery and prepare a defense strategy; and, developingpersuasive mitigation for negotiations and sentencing. On occasion, trial attorneys are alsoassigned appeals and post-conviction matters. Trial attorneys must be available to work duringregular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends.Requirements : All applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and bemembers in good standing of the California Bar or must be willing to sit for the next CaliforniaBar exam. Preference will be given to applicants with at least three years of experience in stateand / or federal criminal law or applicants with federal judicial clerkship experience, but neither isrequired. Applicants with limited or no prior criminal experience should explain their interest infederal criminal practice in their cover letter. Experience or a commitment to working withculturally diverse populations and marginalized communities is also desired. Selection Criteria : Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminaldefense and / or public interest law; must have superior oral and written communication skills;possess excellent research skills; and work well in teams.A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with currentappropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seekingSalary / Benefits : This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualificationsand experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance,retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. After completion of a successful probationary period,eligible employees may elect to telework up to 2 days per week, subject to certain conditions.For more information on benefits, see http : / / www.uscourts.gov / careers / benefits.How to Apply : Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, two representative writingsamples (limited to 15 pages each), and three references through our website athttps : / / fpdcdca.org / careers / current-openings / . All application materials must be received byFriday, July 11, 2025; however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open positionmay be filled before that date. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill future positionsfrom this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin,gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr