Position: CJA Supervising Attorney
Classification Level: CL 30
Salary Range: $89,088 - $144,846
Location: Los Angeles, California
Opening Date: September 2, 2016
Closing Date: September 30, 2016
Number of Positions: One
Vacancy Number: 16-33
POSITION OVERVIEW
The United States District Court, Central District of California, invites applications for the position of Criminal Justice Act (“CJA”) Supervising Attorney. The CJA Supervising Attorney is responsible for the oversight and administration of the panel of attorneys qualified for appointment to represent indigent defendants in cases pending before the Court, and must have or develop a thorough knowledge of the Criminal Justice Act and of criminal law and procedure. The CJA Supervising Attorney will work to achieve the dual objectives of high quality representation by panel attorneys and cost containment/accountability for government funds. The CJA Supervising Attorney will work within the Legal Services Unit of the Clerk’s Office, will report to the Managing Attorney of the Legal Services Unit, and will serve as a first-line supervisor to three full-time voucher review clerks/budget analysts. The CJA Supervising Attorney will also work closely with the Court’s CJA Committee and the judges of the Court.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
- Review vouchers submitted by court-appointed attorneys, court reporters, interpreters, paralegals, investigators, and other service providers seeking payment pursuant to the CJA for work performed in cases pending before the Court, consulting with the presiding judge, the Court’s CJA Committee, and others as necessary.
- Manage the flow of CJA vouchers through the Clerk’s Office.
- Verify data, computations, and compliance with CJA guidelines and court policies on all CJA vouchers prior to approval, and ensure expeditious review and payment of vouchers.
- Develop uniform guidelines and policies for the accurate and prompt payment of CJA vouchers.
- Provide assistance and advice to panel attorneys and others on CJA processes and procedures, and on the proper completion of CJA forms.
- Assure quality of representation and improve financial efficiency by identifying better means of administering the CJA panel.
- Evaluate CJA panel management procedures to determine new methods for increasing effectiveness and reducing costs.
- Collect and analyze costs and other data and prepare reports regarding CJA voucher payments and procedures and CJA panel management.
- Serve as liaison between the Court’s judges and staff, panel attorneys and other service providers, the Federal Public Defender, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, judges and staff at the Ninth Circuit, and judges and staff at other district courts with respect to CJA issues.
- Analyze and interpret federal statutes, regulations, and case law; Administrative Office directives, policies, and procedures; and local court rules, orders, and procedures related to implementation of the CJA and to criminal law and practice.
- Remain current with developments within the circuit and the district court, as well as evolving legislation pertaining to the CJA. Update panel attorneys and judges, as appropriate.
- Provide administrative and technical supervision of CJA Clerks on a day-to-day basis, including planning work assignments and setting priorities and schedules, advising and assisting with work in progress, reviewing completed work, developing or accepting recommendations from subordinates to increase productivity or quality, keeping subordinates informed of the policies and procedures of the organization as a whole, identifying training needs and conducting training, establishing and administering performance standards, hearing and resolving complaints, assisting with problems, and effecting disciplinary actions when required.
- Limited travel and other duties as required. Duties may require working during non-business hours.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; be a member in good standing of, and eligible to practice before, the bar of any United States Court, or of the highest court of any State, Territory, or Insular Possession of the United States; and have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, or in legal administration, gained after graduating from law school. Significant experience in the practice of criminal law, with at least two years in the practice of criminal defense law (especially indigent defense), is strongly preferred. Candidates must possess a deep appreciation of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and an understanding of the fundamental importance of indigent defense to the judicial system of the United States. Qualified applicants must also possess excellent academic credentials; superior analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills; computer literacy; and familiarity with federal and local court rules and practices. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States currently seeking U.S. citizenship or intending to become a citizen immediately after meeting the eligibility requirements.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be set based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate subject to the policies and guidelines of the federal judiciary.
BENEFITS
- United States District Court employees are entitled to federal benefits such as: a defined benefit pension plan; a retirement savings plan including generous matching contributions; paid vacation and sick leave; eleven paid holidays per year; and choosing from an array of insurance plans including health, life, dental, vision, long term disability, and long term care.
- Mandatory direct deposit.
- Commuter subsidies are available to employees who utilize public transportation to and from work.
- Extensive on-line training options. Travel for in-person training and professional conferences is available, funds permitting.
- Federal court employees can pursue an on-line certificate and degree programs in judicial administration through Michigan State University, partially subsidized, funds permitting.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be submitted to apply_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov by the close of business on September 30, 2016. Documents must be in Word, WordPerfect, or PDF format, and the email should reference Vacancy No. 16-33. Complete application packets must include the following:
- cover letter
- resume
- two recent writing samples
- the names of at least three references, and
- an application for Federal Branch Employment (visit the court’s website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov to download the job application)
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will communicate only with those individuals who will be interviewed. Expenses associated with interviews or relocation will not be reimbursed. Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview.
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be subject to an FBI background check. The United States District Court requires employees to adhere to a code of conduct which is available on the Court’s web site at www.cacd.uscourts.gov.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Orange County Women
