Assistant Paralegal; CHU

Position Overview

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full‑time assistant paralegal to be stationed in Phoenix. The Federal Public Defender operates under the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 3006A(g)(2)(A) and 3599, to provide federal defense services by court appointment to individuals sentenced to death who are unable to afford counsel.

• High‑school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years of general experience and two years of specialized experience (some higher education may be substituted for specialized experience).
• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Law office experience, computer literacy, advanced word‑processing skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• U.S. citizen.
• Employment is subject to fingerprinting and a satisfactory background investigation.

Provides support services to attorneys, paralegals, and investigators in the representation of death‑sentenced clients in capital federal habeas corpus proceedings. This high‑volume, high‑stress appellate practice requires an understanding of state and federal court rules and procedures, strong communication, organization, proofreading, and case docketing skills, and a demonstrated ability to multitask and effectively prioritize competing responsibilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to, preparing and filing complex and lengthy pleadings (motions, habeas petitions, appellate briefs, memoranda, and case‑related forms); assisting with case‑file management; maintaining internal dockets and calendars; preparing, gathering, organizing, summarizing, and indexing electronic and paper documents; facilitating client contact and correspondence; and performing other duties as assigned.

Starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications; currently fixed at Grade 9, Step 1, yielding $64,564 per annum. Position in excepted service, no tenure rights of competitive Civil Service. Includes health and life insurance, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan. Salary payable by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Positions are at‑will and subject to availability of funds.

Please include a letter of interest along with resume. References will be required from candidates selected for an interview.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.