225 Broadway Ste 900
San Diego, CA 92101
TEL: 619-234-8467
FAX: 619-687-2666
1122 State St. Suite E
El Centro, CA 92243
TEL: 760-335-3510
FAX: 760-335-3610
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., is looking for an attorney with two to seven years of experience to join our distinguished Appellate Department. Federal Defenders is the federal defender organization serving the Southern District of California. Our appellate attorneys litigate cases before the district court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Our practice area includes criminal appeals and habeas, with a focus on immigration crimes and detention. The appellate department’s recent victories include: United States v. Vidal, 504 F.3d 1072 (9th Cir. 2007) (en banc); United States v. Lopez, 484 F.3d 1186 (9th Cir. 2007) (en banc); Casas- Castrillon v. DHS, 535 F.3d 942 (9th Cir. 2008); and United States v. Amezcua-Vasquez, 567 F.3d 1050 (9th Cir.), reh’g en banc denied, 586 F.3d 1176 (9th Cir. 2009).
HOURS:
Full-time
QUALIFICATIONS:
Strong legal writing skills are required. Candidates should be able to handle multiple
tasks with changing demands and deadlines, and must have an unfaltering desire to
advocate aggressively on behalf of indigent criminal defendants. The case load is fastpaced
and demanding. The ideal candidate would thrive under challenging conditions
requiring a high degree of creativity and hard work. A commitment to public interest
work, as well as law review and law clerk experience will be looked upon favorably.
Prior experience in the areas of criminal defense, federal litigation, and/or immigration
law is preferred but not required. Federal Defenders offers all new attorneys extensive
training in federal criminal procedure and practice. Our appellate attorneys participate
in, as well as actively orchestrate, our in-house and community training programs.
Applicants for this position must be members, in good standing, of the bar of any state.
California bar membership is preferred.
BENEFITS:
Federal Defenders offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits.
Compensation is commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and detailed resume to:
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.
Attn: Michele A. McKenzie
225 Broadway, Ste. 900
San Diego, CA 92101
Or email a cover letter and detailed resume to: Michele McKenzie
No phone calls please.
DEADLINE:
Open until filled.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER