What are the responsibilities and job description for the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York position at U.S. Courts?
Duties
The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the Northern District of New York, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York has offices in Albany and Syracuse. The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, federal capital appellate resource counsel, investigators, paralegals, a mitigation specialist, and support personnel.
The website for the office is: Office of the Public Defender Northern District of New York.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The position includes Federal benefits. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment.
Qualifications
(1) be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
(2) have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
(3) possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas:
- Budget, procurement, and travel;
- Human resources;
- Space, facilities, and property;
(5) demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.
As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.
Education
Applicants must be graduates of an accredited law school, admitted and in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice.
Benefits
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Second Circuit uses an open and competitive selection process. A Merit Selection Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. With consideration of the District Court's recommendation, the Committee will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment.
Benefits
Review our benefits
Required Documents
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.
Application forms are posted on the Court's website at https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/.
- The original application;
- An original writing sample not to exceed 10 pages; and
- Resume.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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.
How to Apply
Application forms are posted on the Court's website at https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/. Completed application packages must be in the format required by the Second Circuit and received no later than May 16, 2025.
Agency contact information
Human ResourcesEmailfpd_application@ca2.uscourts.govAddressUS Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse
40 Foley Square
Room 2904
New York, NY 10007
USNext steps
Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment. The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Application forms are posted on the Court's website at https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/.
- The original application;
- An original writing sample not to exceed 10 pages; and
- Resume.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
