Supervisory Attorney

U.S. Courts•Norfolk, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia seeks a Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender (SAFPD) for its Norfolk office. Under the Criminal Justice Act, the office represents indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters. The SAFPD represents clients in federal court through every stage of the criminal process, prepares written submissions, interviews clients, directs defense investigations, and collaborates with attorneys and staff in cases in the Norfolk and Newport News divisions. Alongside a caseload consistent with other attorneys in the office, the SAFPD oversees the Norfolk branch office’s day-to-day operations and directly supervises more than twenty staff members. The role ensures the office meets administrative responsibilities, provides high-quality representation, and serves as a resource to attorneys on the Criminal Justice Act panels. The SAFPD reports to the Federal Public Defender and First Assistant Federal Public Defender, and is the principal liaison between the Norfolk office and the Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other relevant parties. The position is primarily based in an office and in court, with travel within Virginia. Work on holidays, evenings, and weekends may be required depending on office needs. Employment is at-will in the excepted service, subject to availability of funds, and conditional on completion of an FBI background check.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited law school.
Be licensed in good standing by the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Supreme Court of the United States, or another state bar.
Have significant experience representing federal criminal defendants.
Have extensive trial experience.
Have strong legal research skills and the ability to analyze complex legal issues.
Communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel.
Possess strong oral, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
Be authorized to work in the United States.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Successfully complete an FBI background check; employment is conditional upon its completion.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated passion for and dedication to indigent criminal defendants and client-centered representation.
Ability to manage and work as part of a team.
Reputation for hard work and integrity.

Responsibilities

Represent indigent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process.
Prepare written submissions, conduct client interviews, and direct defense investigations.
Collaborate with other attorneys and staff in client representation.
Carry a caseload commensurate with other attorneys in the office, consistent with the Federal Public Defender’s directives.
Supervise the Norfolk branch office’s day-to-day operations and more than twenty staff members.
Ensure the Norfolk office meets administrative responsibilities, provides high-quality client representation, and serves as a resource to Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys in Norfolk and Newport News.
Communicate regularly with the Federal Public Defender, First Assistant Federal Public Defender, and Administrative Officer.
Manage and resolve internal and external issues affecting office operations.
Participate in personnel and human-resource actions, including hiring interviews, annual performance evaluations, and implementing adverse employment actions.
Ensure staff receive adequate training for their assigned duties.
Advise district management on resources needed for the Norfolk location to meet its mission requirements.
Serve as principal liaison between the Norfolk office and the Court, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and, as needed, court personnel, related agencies, CJA panel members, private bar, clients, and client families.
Promote high-quality representation, effective and compliant office operations, and a supportive and collaborative workplace.
Support employee professional development, mentor and guide attorneys and staff, and model professionalism and ethical integrity.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave
Paid parental leave
12 paid federal holidays per year
Optional Federal Employees Health Benefits plans, including health, dental, and vision
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance
Flexible Benefits Program
Long-Term Care Insurance
Health Care Reimbursement and Dependent Care Reimbursement
Public transportation subsidy
Employee Assistance Program
Federal Employees Retirement System participation
Optional Thrift Savings Plan participation with up to 5% employer-matched contributions
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program