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<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Duties</b></h2>
<p>Provides zealous, professional legal representation to his/her clients. Appears, on behalf of the client, in court hearings and at other related proceedings.<br> <br> Communicates with the court, opposing counsel, probation officers, witnesses, clients and the families of clients concerning case-related issues.<br> <br> Maintains in-depth and updated knowledge of criminal defense trial and appellate practices and case law. Develops expertise with the federal sentencing guidelines, understands the ethical obligations and restrictions and practices courtroom advocacy.<br> <br> Pursues all appropriate available training opportunities including local or nationally sponsored core training within the limits of funding, workload and defender organization approval.<br> <br> Prepares motions and briefs for consideration in federal magistrate, district, and appellate courts. Also prepares petitions for certiorari.<br> <br> Prepares legal memoranda, review of issues, comprehensive statements of relevant facts, standards of review and briefs complex legal and factual arguments. Consults with investigative and legal staff regarding issues relevant to the case.<br> <br> Examines complex and diverse records. Reviews the record proper, exhibits, transcripts and tapes of trials and hearings in habeas and direct appeals cases.<br> <br> Analyzes the record and determines relevant legal issues. Determines the need for an evidentiary hearing and prepares evidence for presentation.<br> <br> Performs legal research utilizing all available resources including computer-assisted legal research tools. Research includes state and federal statutes, case law, regulations, precedents, treaties, sentencing guidelines, and related subject matter.<br> <br> Analyzes legal decisions, opinions, rulings, memoranda and related legal materials.<br> <br> Compiles and summarizes substantive information on statutes, treaties and specific legal subjects.<br> <br> Analyzes the potential impact of new legislation, policies and regulations on the defender organization. Recommends short and long range plans to ensure efficient operations.<br> <br> Updates research and prepares for oral argument. Prioritizes issues, analyzes difficulties of the case and prepares responses to possible panel questions.<br> <br> Continues development of strong written and verbal communication skills to enhance professional documentation and interpersonal interaction.<br> <br> Performs all other duties as assigned. </p>
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<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Requirements</b></h2>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Conditions of Employment</b></h3>
<p>Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews, candidates must travel at their own expense. Remote interviews will be offered. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.<br> <br> The physical demands of this position are those required to successfully perform the duties described. The occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds is required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Travel is necessary to perform this position's duties.<br> <br> The position will report to Norfolk, VA; however, telework may be available on a regular or ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy, after an initial training period commensurate with the position's duties. Positions with the Office of the Federal Public Defender, EDVA are "At-Will" in the excepted service and do not carry the tenure rights of competitive civil service positions. Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. Further background investigation(s) may be required. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.<br> <br> Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under 8 U.S.C.1324b(a)(3)(B). </p>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Qualifications</b></h3>
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A successful applicant must be an attorney who demonstrates strong oral communication, research, and writing abilities and has experience in criminal law, including familiarity with federal sentencing guidelines. Strength in legal writing, and specifically federal motion and appellate practice, is a plus. Applicants must have a reputation for personal and professional integrity, as well as a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court personnel. Applicants must be licensed by and have good standing before the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or the Supreme Court of the United States. Applicants also must be authorized to work in the United States.
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<b>SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE</b>
<br> AD-21 ($69,961 - $106,690): At a minimum candidates must possess zero to three years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> AD-23 ($75,168 - $114,633): At a minimum candidates must possess three to five years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> AD-25 ($80,765 - $123,167): At a minimum candidates must possess five to six years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> AD-26 ($86,778 - $132,338): At a minimum candidates must possess six to seven years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> AD-27 ($93,241 - $142,192): At a minimum candidates must possess seven to eight years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> AD-28 ($100,184 - $152,779): At a minimum candidates must possess eight to nine years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> AD-29 ($107,640 - $182,990): At a minimum candidates must possess 9+ years of professional attorney experience.
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<br> In determining the number of years of professional attorney experience, only activities that a practicing attorney would normally perform may be counted, and such experience may be counted only from the time that the candidate completed law school. Investigative, quasi-legal, and other types of non-attorney law enforcement-related or defense-related experience (e.g., experience as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or as an investigator in an FDO are not creditable in determining years of professional attorney experience). Legal research and writing experience obtained after graduation from law school may be counted as professional attorney experience - upon review of such experience and its applicability to the position.
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Education</b></h3>
<p>Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and be a graduate of an accredited law school. </p>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Additional information</b></h3>
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<p><b>BENEFITS</b><br> <br> A generous benefits package is available to full-time permanent court employees including: </p>
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<li>Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 12 paid federal holidays per year.</li>
<li>Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees.</li>
<li>Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance; Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (HCRA).</li>
<li>Public transportation subsidy, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).</li>
<li>Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).</li>
<li>Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the term of the (PSLF).</li>
<li>https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.</li>
<li>For more benefit information visit the Judiciary's Benefits Page (https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits).</li>
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<b>OTHER INFORMATION</b>
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<br> Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. Reimbursement for relocation is not available.
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<br> This position is subject to the availability of funds and is open until filled. All responses will remain confidential. This announcement may be used to fill more than one position.
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<br> The office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
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<li><p>Benefits</p>
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<p></p>
<p>Review our benefits </p>
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<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>How You Will Be Evaluated</b></h2>
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<p>You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.</p>
<p>Please read the "Next steps" section for more information. </p>
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<li><p>Benefits</p>
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<p>Review our benefits </p>
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<li><p>Required Documents</p>
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<p>As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.</p>
<p>Cover letter, resume, AO 78 Judicial Branch Application, and a writing sample. See detailed instructions in the "How to Apply" section.<br> <br> Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. </p>
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<h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: </b></h4>
<p>Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. </p>
<p>Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. </p>
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<li><p>How to Apply</p>
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<p>To be considered application packages must be emailed to <b>FPDedva_hiring@fd.org</b> with the position Announcement Number in the subject line. Application packages must contain the following documentation: </p>
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<li>Cover letter of no more than two pages, wherein the applicant describes the knowledge, skills, abilities, and or experience that would make the candidate well qualified to fill this position.</li>
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<li>Resume outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information.</li>
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<li>A writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less that contains legal analysis.</li>
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<li>A completed AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment.</li>
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</div>A single PDF containing all documents is preferred.
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<br> Please visit https://vae.fd.org/employment for more information and any required documentation.
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Agency contact information</b></h3>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Human Resources </b></h3>
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<h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Email</b></h5>
<p>FPDedva_hiring@fd.org </p>
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<h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Address</b></h5>
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<i>Office of the Federal Public Defender, Eastern District of Virginia</i>
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<i>1650 King Street</i>
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<i>STE 500 </i>
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<i>Alexandria, VA 22314</i>
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<i>US </i>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Next steps</b></h3>
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<p>Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Those contacted will be required to participate in a panel interview. </p>
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<li><p>Fair and Transparent</p>
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<p>The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. </p>
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<li>Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy </li>
<li>Reasonable accommodation policy </li>
<li>Financial suitability </li>
<li>Selective Service </li>
<li>New employee probationary period </li>
<li>Signature and false statements </li>
<li>Privacy Act </li>
<li>Social security number request </li>
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<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Required Documents</b></h2>
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<p>Cover letter, resume, AO 78 Judicial Branch Application, and a writing sample. See detailed instructions in the "How to Apply" section.<br> <br> Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. </p>
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<h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: </b></h4>
<p>Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. </p>
<p>Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.</p>
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Help
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>This job is open to</b></h2>
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<h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>The public</b></h4>
<p>U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.</p>
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