The Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of West Virginia, at Charleston, is accepting applications for the position of Legal Intern. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts

Requirements: A Legal Intern must be: (1) a U.S. citizen or eligible to be employed in the United States; and (2) a law student at least half-time or recent graduate of a law school.

Duties: Legal Interns will gain exposure to federal courts, judges, and personnel while honing their skills in client interaction and a wide variety of research and writing areas that may involve pre-sentence documents, suppression and evidentiary motions, trial practice, and appellate advocacy. Legal Intern duties may also include obtaining and reviewing documents, records, and information relevant to case preparation; and may under direct supervision of the responsible case attorney, appear in court with the appropriate certification and approvals as required by the court, the state bar, the law school, and the client.

Selection Criteria: The successful applicant must have excellent writing and research skills, an interest in criminal defense practice, and commitment to the representation of indigent accused. This position also requires the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel.

Conditions of Employment: The selected candidate will be subject to a background check or investigation, including an F.B.I. name and fingerprint check and an I.R.S. tax check, and subsequent favorable suitability determination for employment. Employees of the Federal Public Defender Office are in the excepted service, are considered “at-will” employees, and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act. More than one position may be filled under this announcement.

Salary and Benefits: This is a part-time, temporary position for less than 90 days (summer intern). Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected applicant, ranging from JSP 05 ($15.36 per hour) to JSP 07 ($19.02 per hour)-2015 rates, with expectation that these rates will increase by approximately 1.3% in 2016. This position is subject to mandatory electronic transfer (direct deposit) of net pay

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by electronically submitting a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, law school and undergraduate transcripts, and one writing sample to WVS_Recruiting@fd.org (WVS_Recruiting@fd.org). (Note the underscore (_) between wvs and recruiting).

Posting date: December 28, 2015; Applications must be received by January 22, 2016. All responses will remain confidential.

The Federal Public Defender Office is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please contact Administrative Officer Kimberly Lancaster at (304) 347-3350.