Research and Writing Specialist

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 26-27

RESEARCH AND WRITING SPECIALIST

Office of the Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas (Alpine) The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for a research and writing specialist to be stationed in the Alpine office. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel. Requirements Graduate of an accredited law school. Admitted to practice law in Texas or by the highest court of another state. Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas within one year after employment begins. At least three years of specialized experience preferred. Appointment subject to satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check. Duties Drafting motions, memoranda, briefs, and petitions to be filed in the U.S. District Court. Consulting with attorneys on legal issues arising in discovery, motion practice, trial, sentencing, and appeal. May perform general paralegal duties and other duties as assigned. Position requires occasional travel. Selection Criteria The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word‑processing skills, the ability to analyze legal issues from complex records, and write clearly and concisely. Applicants should also have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel, and be team‑oriented with skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred. Salary and Benefits The starting salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from $74,678 (JSP‑11, Step 1) to $147,945 (JSP‑15, Step 1) per annum. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including health and life insurance, retirement, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Equal Opportunity The Federal Public Defender is an equal‑opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas