The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.
The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. ยง 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.
The position includes Federal benefits. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment.
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
(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:
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.
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.
Application forms are posted on the Court's website at https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/.
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.
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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
