Website Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho
Community Defender Organization, making us a non-profit
Who we are. We are a Community Defender Organization[1], making us a non-profit corporation funded by a grant from the federal government. We are not government employees, and our employment status is considered “at will.” The organization’s main office is in Spokane, Washington, with a branch office in Yakima, Washington.
We provide legal representation to individuals accused of committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney. We begin helping as early as pre-indictment investigations, and continue helping them through trial and appeal, including discretionary review at the U.S. Supreme Court. We also help with habeas review.
Who you are. You are a trusted, reliable, skilled and efficient attorney who is eager to collaborate with other members of our team in an effort to provide effective, holistic representation. You are organized, capable of multi-tasking, and harness creativity, dedication, and persistence to overcome the myriad challenges our clients (and you) will face. You are a team player and want to help those around you.
What experience you’ll bring. As an experienced attorney, you will handle a higher caseload of criminal cases from inception to trial, sentencing or both, as well as handling appeals. The caseload is varied, but you’ll be assigned cases involving firearms, drugs, immigration, fraud, sex offenses and supervised release. And since both our offices are surrounded by Native American lands, you may be assigned cases coming from those lands, including assaults, murders, and robberies.
What qualifications you’ll need. You will need to meet the following qualifications:
– be a graduate of an accredited law school.
– be admitted to practice before the highest court in a state.
– be eligible for admission to the courts where we practice (i.e., the Eastern District of Washington; the District of Idaho; and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals);
– have at least three years of experience as an attorney and tried at least five felony jury trials.
– be tech-savvy, as we are a paper-light office.
What you’ll need to be willing to do. You will be required to work at either the Spokane or Yakima office unless out of the office for investigation, jail visits or other work-related business. You will be required to travel. You’ll make regular day trips (and some overnight travel) to investigate cases, appear in court, and meet with your clients. These trips will be throughout Eastern Washington and North/Central Idaho but may also take you to other places as well.
[1] See 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(B).
To apply for this job email your details to wae_employment@fd.org
