The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Criminal Justice Act Resource Counsel to join our Pittsburgh office.
The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Resource Counsel will assist the Federal Public Defender in administering and managing the Western District of Pennsylvania’s CJA panel attorney program. CJA Resource Counsel reports to the Federal Public Defender and will work closely with members of the CJA panel to ensure high quality representation and to assist in efficient management of CJA resources. Duties include recruiting panel attorneys, providing training and assistance to panel attorneys, identifying and sharing information about experts and other service providers, consulting about case budgets and funding requests, advising the CJA Panel Committee on the selection and retention of panel members, and other duties consistent with the mission of the position.
The ideal candidate brings superior legal skills, as well as the ability to train and support other attorneys in the areas of investigation, use of experts and service providers, research, writing, and oral advocacy. A deep commitment to client-centered advocacy is essential.
The CJA Resource Counsel will collaborate with the Federal Public Defender and Federal Public Defender staff on the following:
• Provide training, assistance, and mentoring to CJA panel attorneys.
• Identify and share information about experts and other service providers with CJA panel attorneys.
• Consult about case budgets and funding requests.
• Assist with the timely assignment of cases to panel members using a system that ensures appropriate panel appointments.
• Maintain records of current panel attorneys, case assignments, attorney acceptance and availability data, and substitutions of counsel.
• Develop and maintain internal systems to protect the confidentiality of CJA panel client matters and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Assist with managing the district’s CJA panel, including the recruitment, selection, and retention of panel members.
• Consult with the CJA Panel Committee regarding panel-related matters.
The CJA Resource Counsel will not be involved in the direct representation of individuals. This attorney will not appear in court or be permitted to engage in the private practice of law.