Trial Attorney - Santa Ana

Federal Public Defender, Central District of California • Santa Ana, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time attorney position in its trial unit in Santa Ana, California. The Santa Ana Office represents individuals charged with federal crimes occurring in Orange County. The trial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by zealously advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.

Requirements

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Members in good standing of the California Bar or willing to sit for the next California Bar exam.
• United States citizen or permanent resident seeking citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of experience in state and/or federal criminal law.
• Federal judicial clerkship experience.
• Experience or a commitment to working with culturally diverse populations and marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and/or public interest law.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent research skills.
• Ability to work well in teams.

Responsibilities

• Aggressively litigating criminal cases in federal court from the client’s initial bail proceedings through jury trial and sentencing.
• Researching and drafting creative, innovative motions.
• Collaborating with a team of investigators, paralegals, and support staff to prepare the client’s case for trial.
• Appearing at all court hearings, including as lead or second-chair in jury trials.
• Visiting the client, including at detention facilities, to review discovery and prepare a defense strategy.
• Developing persuasive mitigation for negotiations and sentencing.
• On occasion, assigned appeals and post-conviction matters.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Telework up to 2 days per week after completion of a successful probationary period, subject to certain conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level